seduce

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seduce" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving attraction, persuasion, or enticing someone into a particular action or behavior. Example: "He tried to seduce her with his charm and wit during their conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Heart-breaking cruelty, no slow-motion blood: the sight of real violence tends not to inspire or seduce.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seduce your partner into seeing you not as a patient requiring care, nurture and support but as a man able to survive and flourish without her if necessary, but with her if possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lab 37.2%, Con 33.3%, LD 16.9%, Ukip 7.7%, BNP 3.5% The Conservatives underperformed in the capital in 2010 and want to use their record on the economy – and the commitment by Labour and the Lib Dems to a mansion tax – to seduce voters back, particularly in the wealthier areas and suburbs.

The Guardian

The strains on the marriage became even more severe when one half of the union - the Tories - decided to go behind the UUP's back and seduce voters on their doorstep.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Crassus attempts to seduce his own slave, Antoninus (Tony Curtis), with a creepy metaphor about whether he prefers eating oysters or eating snails.

The Guardian - Film

And last as a fake oil millionaire – out to seduce Marilyn – played as a wonderful homage to Cary Grant.

The Guardian - Film

On screen, boring Elizabeth could win the Grand National, or tussle with horrific memories of murder in "Suddenly Last Summer", or seduce both Caesar and Mark Anthony in real-gold robes in "Cleopatra" (1962), then the costliest film ever made.

The Economist

EVER since Esther disguised her Jewish roots to seduce the king of Persia more than 2,000 years ago, Jews have celebrated her deception once a year with the festival of Purim, not least by dressing up as their worst enemies.

The Economist

No sooner had the results been declared than the pair hit the campaign trail again, both trying to seduce the centre.The results were, as Mr Sarkozy declared, a "victory for our democracy".

The Economist

Happy days Addicted to the arms trade Hola to you ReprintsHe was trained to seduce female embassy staff in Britain and overseas.

The Economist

Sky wants to seduce them; BT is just as keen to keep them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seduce" when you want to convey a sense of powerful attraction or enticement, often implying a deliberate effort to influence someone's behavior or beliefs. Ensure the context aligns with the potentially manipulative connotations of the word.

Common error

Avoid using "seduce" in contexts where a more neutral term like "attract" or "influence" would be more appropriate. "Seduce" carries a stronger connotation of intentional persuasion and can sound overly dramatic or inappropriate if the situation doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "seduce" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It describes the action of enticing or attracting someone, often with the intent of influencing their behavior or beliefs. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's deemed correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "seduce" is a powerful term used to describe the act of enticing or attracting someone, often with the goal of influencing their behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. While versatile, it carries a strong connotation of intentional persuasion and potential manipulation, making it crucial to use it appropriately and avoid overusing it in contexts where a more neutral term would suffice.

As highlighted by the examples, "seduce" appears predominantly in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, indicating its relevance in discussions about influence, marketing, and strategic persuasion. Related phrases like "entice", "lure", and "attract" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific intent and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entice

Implies a more subtle and often innocent form of attraction, focusing on pleasure or benefit.

lure

Suggests a more deceptive or risky attraction, often with a hidden danger.

attract

A general term for drawing someone's interest or attention without necessarily implying persuasion.

persuade

Focuses on convincing someone through reasoning or argument, rather than emotional appeal.

win over

Suggests overcoming resistance or opposition to gain someone's favor or support.

charm

Highlights the use of personal appeal and charisma to influence someone.

woo

Implies a romantic or courtship-like approach to gaining someone's affection or favor.

captivate

Emphasizes holding someone's attention and interest completely, often through beauty or skill.

influence

A broad term for affecting someone's thoughts or actions, without necessarily implying direct persuasion.

tempt

Implies offering something desirable to induce someone to do something they might otherwise avoid.

FAQs

How can I use "seduce" in a sentence?

You can use "seduce" to describe the act of enticing someone, often in a charming or persuasive way. For example, "The company tried to seduce customers with a new marketing campaign." Or, "The politician attempted to seduce voters with promises of lower taxes".

What can I say instead of "seduce"?

You can use alternatives like "entice", "lure", or "attract" depending on the context. Each of these alternatives carries slightly different nuances.

Which is correct, "seduce" or "attract"?

"Seduce" and "attract" are both correct, but they have different meanings. "Attract" is a general term for drawing someone's attention, while "seduce" implies a more deliberate and persuasive effort to entice someone, often for a specific purpose.

What's the difference between "seduce" and "persuade"?

"Persuade" focuses on convincing someone through reasoning, while "seduce" often involves emotional appeal or charm. You might persuade someone with facts, but you'd seduce them with promises and allure.