Blandishment: meaning, definitions and examples

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blandishment

[ˈblændɪʃmənt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

flattery

Blandishment refers to the act of coaxing or persuading someone through flattery or sweet words. It is a form of manipulation used to win someone over by appealing to their vanity or ego.

Synonyms

compliments, flattery, sweet-talk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
blandishment	Typically used in more formal or literary contexts. It refers to flattering speech or actions used to gently persuade someone to do something. The salesman used all his blandishments to convince the customers to buy more products. Despite his blandishments, she refused to go out with him.
flattery	Carries a slightly negative connotation, as it implies excessive and insincere praise, often for selfish motives. He used flattery to earn favor with his boss. She saw through his flattery and didn't trust him.
sweet-talk	Used in informal situations, where someone tries to persuade another person by speaking in a nice or charming way, often with a hint of manipulation. He tried to sweet-talk her into lending him some money. Don’t try to sweet-talk me; it won’t work.
compliments	Commonly used in everyday situations to show admiration or praise for someone. These are genuine expressions of appreciation. She received many compliments on her new dress. I must compliment you on your excellent cooking.

Examples of usage

She was not swayed by his blandishments and saw through his deceitful intentions.
He tried to win her favor with blandishments, but she remained skeptical of his motives.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has origins in the Latin 'blandiri', meaning 'to stroke or flatter', capturing the essence of gentle persuasion.
It entered the English language in the late 14th century, signifying soft or soothing statements aimed at influence.

Psychology

Blandishments can tap into emotional responses, making people more open to suggestions or ideas.
Studies show that flattery can increase trust and likability, thus enhancing the effectiveness of persuasion.

Literature

Writers often use blandishments to develop characters who are charming yet manipulative, creating tension in stories.
Famous literary works, such as those by Shakespeare, frequently depict characters using sweet talk to achieve their goals.

Pop Culture

In various movies, charming characters often employ blandishments to win over their love interests or manipulate others.
The concept is a common trope in romantic comedies, where one character uses sweet words to sway another's heart.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, using gentle words and flattery is a common social tactic to maintain harmony and foster relationships.
Blandishments can reflect cultural values of politeness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect in dialogues.

Translations

Translations of the word "blandishment" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lisonja

🇮🇳 प्रशंसा

🇩🇪 Schmeichelei

🇮🇩 rayuan

🇺🇦 лестощі

🇵🇱 pochlebstwo

🇯🇵 お世辞

🇫🇷 flatterie

🇪🇸 halago

🇹🇷 iltifat

🇰🇷 아첨

🇸🇦 إطراء

🇨🇿 lichotka

🇸🇰 lichôtka

🇨🇳 奉承

🇸🇮 laskanje

🇮🇸 smjað

🇰🇿 жағымпаздық

🇬🇪 კეკლუცობა

🇦🇿 tərif

🇲🇽 halago

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,117, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

...
39114 infotainment
39115 anally
39116 prolog
39117 blandishment
39118 inflecting
39119 congenially
39120 unscented
...