Cajoling: meaning, definitions and examples

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cajoling

 

[ kəˈdʒoʊlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

persuasion technique

Cajoling refers to the act of persuading someone to do something through flattery or gentle urging. This often involves using charming words and gestures to influence someone’s decision. It is a technique frequently seen in both personal and professional settings, where one party tries to convince another by appealing to their emotions rather than using force or threat. While cajoling can be effective, it may also carry a connotation of insincerity, as it involves manipulation through pleasant speech.

Synonyms

coaxing, flattering, persuading, wheedling.

Examples of usage

  • She was cajoling him to go to the party.
  • He tried cajoling his boss for a promotion.
  • They were cajoling the kids to behave.
  • Cajoling your friends into trying new things can be fun.

Translations

Translations of the word "cajoling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 persuasão

🇮🇳 लाड़ करना

🇩🇪 schmeicheln

🇮🇩 merayu

🇺🇦 підбадьорювання

🇵🇱 namawianie

🇯🇵 おだてること

🇫🇷 flatterie

🇪🇸 halagar

🇹🇷 yaltaklanma

🇰🇷 아첨

🇸🇦 تملق

🇨🇿 ulehčování

🇸🇰 ukľudňovanie

🇨🇳 劝说

🇸🇮 prijaznost

🇮🇸 falskur

🇰🇿 жылы сөздермен көндіру

🇬🇪 მოწონება

🇦🇿 yalançı tərif

🇲🇽 halagar

Etymology

The term 'cajole' originates from the French word 'cajoler', which means to chatter or to coax. The word can be traced back to the late 17th century, where it was initially used to describe the act of persuading someone gently or through sweet talk. The roots of the word indicate a connection to playful conversation, adding a nuance of charm to the act of persuasion. Over the years, it has evolved to emphasize the subtlety in persuasion, often associated with a sense of manipulation, where the cajoler uses flattery to achieve their aims. Thus, the contemporary understanding of cajoling not only retains its original connotation of gentle urging but also embraces undertones of insincerity that can arise when one attempts to influence another's decisions.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,345 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.