tempt
verb (used with object)
to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral.
had been tempting
-
past perfect progressiveof tempt.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It had been tempting to wonder exactly what kind of midfielder-in-the-making he is.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 16, 2020
The impulse to drop the May-Johnson bill's loop over the beast's head, tie him to the corral fence and scramble for cover had been tempting.
From Time Magazine Archive
Of ghostly shadows, some of the way, That had been tempting us to play, Tho’ sure they must have known we should Be making all the haste we could!
From My Beautiful Lady. Nelly Dale by Henry Morley
In the elevation of the moment the trivial pleasures that had been tempting him became mean and unworthy.
From A Mountain Europa by John Fox
He seemed to feel that he had been tempting Providence by his bold speech, and even expressed his regret to Tom for what he had said.
From The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army A Story of the Great Rebellion by Oliver Optic
