What's the difference between “tempt” and “seduce”?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Tempt and seduce are very similar in meaning, however to seduce someone has a much stronger meaning. "Tempt" means to persuade or convince someone to do something that is wrong, usually with the promise of some sort of pleasure or gain. Ex: Do not tempt me to get off my diet. Ex: He tried to tempt me to give him the answers to the test for $20. "Seduce" also means to persuade or lure someone to do something that is wrong, usually benefiting the other person. It also means to persuade someone into a sexual relationship. Ex: The teenagers were seduced by the ads on television to smoke cigarettes.

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Popular Q&As

12/16

1
What does "another round" mean? When can I use this expression?
"Another round" is used to at a bar (a place that serves alcohol) to order more alcohol for you or you and the group you're with. Here, however, he is saying "another round" at a cafe to order more coffee to be humorous. You would not order more coffee this way, this phrase is traditionally only used to order more alcohol.

2
What does it mean "hard-core" in this case?
To be "hardcore" means to be extremely dedicated to, committed to, or intense about something. In this case, she is saying that he is displaying a "tough" persona without any vulnerabilities. Ex. He's so hardcore about fitness, I've never seen him eat a pizza or burger.

3
What does "hit sweets" mean?
Here, "hit the sweets pretty hard" basically means that the boy eats a lot of candy. "The sweets" means sweet things, like sugary drinks, candy, and chocolate. Ex: My favorite thing to do is to hit the sweets while watching TV. Ex: I hit the sweets less than I used to, because I got too many cavities.

4
What does "paint on [something]" mean? Is it a metaphor? If so, in what circumstances could I use it?
This isn't a common phrase, actually! I think it was made for the song specifically. Generally, to "paint on [something]" means to literally paint on something. It could reference covering or hiding something with paint, too. Here, it could be a metaphor to put or paint "caution into the wind." "To throw caution to the wind" means to stop being careful and do something slightly dangerous. "Paint" just sounds a lot more poetic and gentle than "to throw." Ex: I prefer to paint on canvas rather than paper. Ex: After thinking about starting her own business, she finally threw caution to the wind and did it.

5
Is "Pheebs" a nickname for "Phoebe"? How do you make the nickname after the name?
Yes, "Pheebs" is a nickname for "Phoebe". It is not a common nickname, but just one that they have given to her personally. You can make any nickname from a name by shortening the sound of the name or adding something else to the name. Ex: My name is Elijah but most people nickname me Eli. Ex: Her name is Madeline but she often goes by "Mads".

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