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Wheedle: meaning, definitions and examples

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wheedle

 

[ ˈwiːdəl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

persuasion

To use flattery or sweet talk to persuade someone to do something, typically in a sly or manipulative way. Wheedling often involves subtle manipulation and charm to achieve one's desired outcome.

Synonyms

cajole, coax, flatter, manipulate

Examples of usage

  • She wheedled her way into getting a promotion.
  • He wheedled his parents into buying him a new car.
  • The salesman tried to wheedle the customer into purchasing unnecessary upgrades.

Translations

Translations of the word "wheedle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganar

🇮🇳 धोखा देना

🇩🇪 überreden

🇮🇩 menipu

🇺🇦 обманювати

🇵🇱 oszukiwać

🇯🇵 騙す (だます)

🇫🇷 tromper

🇪🇸 engañar

🇹🇷 aldatmak

🇰🇷 속이다

🇸🇦 خداع

🇨🇿 podvést

🇸🇰 oklamať

🇨🇳 欺骗 (qīpiàn)

🇸🇮 prevarati

🇮🇸 svíkja

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 მატყუება (mat'q'ueba)

🇦🇿 aldatmaq

🇲🇽 engañar

Word origin

The word 'wheedle' originated from Middle English 'wethelen', which means to entice or coax. It has been in use since the 17th century and is often associated with cunning or subtle persuasion tactics. Over time, 'wheedle' has evolved to encompass the idea of using flattery or charm to persuade others, sometimes with a hint of manipulation. The word has maintained its connotation of persuading through clever or deceptive means.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,789 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.