Coax: meaning, definitions and examples

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coax

 

[ kəʊks ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

communication

Persuade (someone) gradually or by flattery to do something.

Synonyms

cajole, entice, influence, persuade.

Examples of usage

  • She managed to coax her father to buy her a new car.
  • The teacher tried to coax the shy student out of his shell.
Context #2 | Verb

animal behavior

Gently and persistently persuade (a horse) to do something.

Synonyms

convince, encourage, prompt.

Examples of usage

  • It took the trainer hours to coax the wild horse into the trailer.
  • She used treats to coax the dog into learning new tricks.

Translations

Translations of the word "coax" in other languages:

🇵🇹 persuadir

🇮🇳 मनाना

🇩🇪 überreden

🇮🇩 membujuk

🇺🇦 вмовляти

🇵🇱 namawiać

🇯🇵 説得する (せっとくする)

🇫🇷 persuader

🇪🇸 persuadir

🇹🇷 ikna etmek

🇰🇷 설득하다

🇸🇦 إقناع

🇨🇿 přesvědčit

🇸🇰 presvedčiť

🇨🇳 劝说

🇸🇮 prepričati

🇮🇸 sannfæra

🇰🇿 сендіру

🇬🇪 დარწმუნება

🇦🇿 inandırmaq

🇲🇽 persuadir

Etymology

The word 'coax' originated in the early 17th century from the Old French word 'cajoler', which means 'to cajole'. The term evolved over time to its current form, with the meaning of persuading or gently urging someone or something. In the context of animal behavior, coaxing involves gentle and persistent efforts to influence the actions of an animal. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history to describe the act of persuading or encouraging someone or something in a gradual or subtle manner.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,888, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.