Cool MateDare vs Tempt
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Dare
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Tempt
Top 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
Most common: Dare
| Dare | Tempt | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/deə(r)/","/deəz/","/deəd/","/ˈdeərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/der/","/derz/","/derd/","/ˈderɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //tɛmpt//🇺🇸 //tɛmpt// |
| Meaning | To challenge someone to do something risky or brave. | To make someone want to do something, especially something wrong. |
| Example | I dare you to jump into the lake even though it's cold. | The offer of a promotion tempted her to stay at the company. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | barely, hardly, scarcely, wouldn’t | tempt fate, tempt someone into doing something, tempting offer |
| Antonyms | shy away, back down, refuse | dissuade, repel |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'dare' with 'dare to', which is less common in modern usage., Using 'dare' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb., Omitting 'to' in phrases like 'I dare you to'. | Confused with 'attempt': 'tempt' means to entice, while 'attempt' means to try., Incorrectly used with 'to': 'tempt someone to do something' is correct., Using it without an object: 'tempt' requires something/someone to tempt. |
| Usage notes | Typically used in contexts involving challenges or risks. Can be formal when discussing ethical issues, but is often informal in social settings among friends. | Use 'tempt' when referring to enticing someone into a decision or action, often with negative connotations. It's formal enough for written contexts and can fit casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Dare vs Tempt
What's the difference between Dare and Tempt?
Dare: To challenge someone to do something risky or brave. Tempt: To make someone want to do something, especially something wrong.
Which is more common: Dare and Tempt?
Dare is the most common in everyday English.
Are Dare and Tempt the same CEFR level?
Dare: B2, Tempt: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Dare and Tempt interchangeably?
Not always. Dare and Tempt are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.