Cajolingly: meaning, definitions and examples

😉
Add to dictionary

cajolingly

 

[ kəˈdʒoʊlɪŋli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

Cajolingly refers to speaking or behaving in a manner that is intended to persuade someone to do something through flattery or coaxing. It often implies a sense of charming or enticing another person to agree with or comply with a request.

Synonyms

coaxingly, enticingly, flatteringly.

Examples of usage

  • She cajolingly asked him to lend her some money.
  • The children cajolingly begged their parents for ice cream.
  • He spoke cajolingly, trying to convince her to change her mind.

Etymology

The word 'cajolingly' is derived from the verb 'cajole', which dates back to the early 17th century. The term 'cajole' itself originates from the French word 'cajoler', which means 'to chatter', 'to entice', or 'to wheedle'. It is believed to have been formed from a combination of the Old French word 'cajole', referring to someone's cunning or slyness, and the noun 'cole', which possibly signifies a cage or enclosure. In this context, it suggests a sense of trapping someone with charm or persuasive speech. Over time, the term has evolved to imply a more playful or gentle form of persuasion, often associated with light-hearted banter or alluring conversation. By the 19th century, its usage had become more prevalent in English literature and casual conversation, reflecting a cultural inclination towards charming rhetoric.