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seductive
/ sɪˈdʌktɪv /
adjective
- tending to seduce or capable of seducing; enticing; alluring
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Derived Forms
- seˈductiveness, noun
- seˈductively, adverb
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Other Words From
- se·ductive·ly adverb
- se·ductive·ness noun
- unse·ductive adjective
- unse·ductive·ly adverb
- unse·ductive·ness noun
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Word History and Origins
Origin of seductive1
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Example Sentences
There used to be a seductive mystery to a box of chocolates — you didn’t know what you were going to get until you took a bite.
Instead, they've painted a seductive story in which retail investors found a loophole that allows them to make money at the expense of hedge funds and other wealthy investors who had shorted the stock.
People are scrutinizing big tech and its seductive algorithms.
The minimal title — solemn, seductive and assured — snapped me to attention.
A high-performance AMG A35 model amps up the fun, with a 302-hp engine, all-wheel drive and seductive exhaust growl.
Asteroids is such a seductive escape that some men feel guilty about giving in to it.
Who knew explaining how to change a tire and back out of a ditch could be so seductive?
It would take a very seductive film project to get me off writing my next novel, but that could certainly happen.
For the film to work, it needs to be seductive and entertaining as hell.
Read a cautionary tale about the seductive and dangerous power of a charlatan sociopath, featuring goats and the American Dream.
He too had the sense of adventure, and his eyes were more than usually compelling and his voice more seductive.
The almost lazy naturalness and simplicity faded gradually out of it, revealing the alert and seductive woman of the world.
He did not say good night until she had become supple to his gentle, seductive entreaties.
A vision—a transcendently seductive vision of a Mexican girl arose before her.
After lunch felt so sick of scribble, scribble, scribble whilst adventure sat seductive upon my doorstep that I fluttered forth.
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Related Words
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About This Word
What does seductive mean?
Seductive is used to describe someone who makes you want to engage in sexual activity with them, especially in a subtle or manipulative way.
Seductive is also commonly used in a more general way to describe someone or something that tempts or influences someone to do something, especially something bad or something they wouldn’t normally do. Though this meaning of the word does not involve sex, it’s still often associated with the sense of the word that does.
Both senses of the word often imply a subtle manipulation in which one’s motives are hidden.
Seductive is the adjective form of the verb seduce. The act of seducing is called seduction.
Example: There’s nothing I find more seductive in a person than the confidence to be who they are.
Where does seductive come from?
The first records of the word seductive come from the late 1700s. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb sēdūcere, meaning “to lead aside.” (The root dūcere also forms the basis of words like induce, produce, and reduce.) The verb seduce is recorded earlier, in the 1470s, and its original use referred to persuading a soldier or servant to desert or change sides. From there, it began to be used in a more general way to refer to influencing someone to do something wrong. Only later did it come to be used in reference to making someone want to have sex.
Today, this is the most commonly used meaning of seductive—and the meaning that’s associated with just about every use of the word, even when it is used more generally. James Bond is notorious for being seductive in this way. Being seductive is typically thought to be achieved by making yourself irresistible through the way you act or the things you say.
The more general sense of being seductive involves leading someone astray or luring them in. This usually involves trying to get them to do something corrupt or at least something they wouldn’t normally do. Cult leaders can be seductive in this way. But it’s not only people who are seductive. Sometimes, the lure of money or success is said to be seductive. Advertising is sometimes described as seductive, meaning its goal is to seduce people to buy a product.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms of seductive?
What are some synonyms for seductive?
What are some words that share a root or word element with seductive?
What are some words that often get used in discussing seductive?
How is seductive used in real life?
Seductive often has a somewhat negative connotation that implies deviousness and manipulativeness. It’s very commonly used in reference to sex, but it’s also commonly used in a general way.
Some women have really seductive eyes. It’s something about their glare. Just wow. Like even a pic with them with a straight face is still so fierce cuz of their eyes. Can this skill be taught ? If yes, where do I sign up?
— Jahelis / Drunk Cook 🇩🇴 (@JahelisWasHere) April 13, 2020
“I come from a community where women are not allowed to sing in public. A woman performing among people is considered to be immodest, even seductive.” #Unorthodox from Netflix is wonderful ,do watch it ! pic.twitter.com/AyulrDG7Kr
— Ɱąժհմ (@inaworldbeyond) April 13, 2020
#ReadyToChange your relationship with plastics too? Learn how to resist the seductive powers of this week's #SingleUsePlastic charmers, the plastic bottles – and dump them before they dump you! EU #PlasticsStrategy to #BeatPlasticPollution Visit → https://t.co/Rhs65sQ1qB pic.twitter.com/92x4p6zjZ5
— EU Environment (@EU_ENV) August 13, 2018
Try using seductive!
Is seductive used correctly in the following sentence?
You might think that women find your brash arrogance seductive, but it’s really just a turnoff.
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