Tantalizing
Adjective
Definition: Tormenting or teasing with the sight or promise of something unobtainable.
Synonyms: Teasing, Enticing, Alluring
Antonyms: Unappealing, Uninteresting, Repulsive
- The tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, making everyone's mouths water.
- The dress in the boutique's display window was tantalizingly beautiful, but the price tag was way beyond her budget.
- Imagine being tantalized by a delicious dessert that you can't have.
Etymology:
The word "tantalizing" derives from the root word "Tantalus," a character in Greek mythology who was forever tormented with the sight of food and water just out of his reach in the underworld.
Historical Usage:The word has been in use since the late 18th century and has retained its meaning of teasing or tormenting with unattainable desires.
Related Idioms:
"Tantalize someone with something"
Explanation:To torment or tempt someone by presenting something desirable that they cannot have or obtain.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "tantalizing" with "enticing" without the element of unattainability.
Explanation:While both words suggest attraction or interest, "tantalizing" specifically implies teasing or tormenting with something out of reach.