tantalizing
Group 14Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Tormenting or teasing with the sight or promise of something unobtainable GRE
Example in Context
The excavation yielded tantalizing fragments of pottery that hinted at a civilization far older than any previously documented in the region.
Synonyms
temptingalluringenticing
Etymology
Named after Tantalus, who was forever teased by unattainable fruit and water.
- Tantalus (Greek) — to tease
Memory Aid
🍉Sounds like “tan ta lizing”
A TANNED man with a giant slice of WATERMELON just out of reach, making it TANTALIZING!
Visual Association
😋A cartoon character stretching desperately towards a floating donut, drooling with desire.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “tantalizing” mean on the GRE?
tantalizing (adjective) means “Tormenting or teasing with the sight or promise of something unobtainable”. The excavation yielded tantalizing fragments of pottery that hinted at a civilization far older than any previously documented in the region.
How to remember “tantalizing” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “tantalizing” sounds like “tan ta lizing”. A TANNED man with a giant slice of WATERMELON just out of reach, making it TANTALIZING!
What are synonyms for “tantalizing”?
Common synonyms: tempting, alluring, enticing.