Be tempting to do sth

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kachibi

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Jan 15, 2012
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Chinese
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Hong Kong
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I checked few dictionaries and I still cannot understand the meaning of "be tempting to do something". Surely I know what "tempting" as an adjective alone means. But I simply cannot get the phrase with this adjective.

To me, it is a little bit odd to continue to regard "tempting" as attractive and enticing in the following sentences:

1) It is tempting (in what way attractive?) to conclude that it must have some validity.
2) It's tempting (in what way attractive?) to blame television for the increase in crime.
3) It is tempting (in what way attractive?) to think of him as the next American president.
4) It's tempting (in what way attractive?) to believe her story.

It will be great if someone can suggest extra examples to explain this phrase.
 
I checked few dictionaries and I still cannot understand the meaning of "be tempting to do something". Surely I know what "tempting" as an adjective alone means. But I simply cannot get the phrase with this adjective.

To me, it is a little bit odd to continue to regard "tempting" as attractive and enticing in the following sentences:

1) It is tempting (in what way attractive?) to conclude that it must have some validity.
2) It's tempting (in what way attractive?) to blame television for the increase in crime.
3) It is tempting (in what way attractive?) to think of him as the next American president.
4) It's tempting (in what way attractive?) to believe her story.

It will be great if someone can suggest extra examples to explain this phrase.

In these uses, "tempting" means it is something that attracts or entices you. It is something that you want to do or want to believe.

It is tempting to believe that rich get rich at the expense of the poor.
It is tempting to believe that (insert political party) will solve all of our problems.
 
But is the thing that I believe after "be tempting that" largely unrealistic?
 
But is the thing that I believe after "be tempting that" largely unrealistic?

Not in every case, but in many cases, the speaker believes that the ending phrase is incorrect or oversimplified.
 
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