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Wheedling: meaning, definitions and examples

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wheedling

 

[ ˈwiːd.lɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

persuasive behavior

Wheedling refers to the act of using flattery, coaxing, or gentle persuasion to achieve a desired outcome, often to gain someone's favor or to extract something from them. It can imply a sense of manipulation or insincerity in the persuasion process.

Synonyms

cajoling, coaxing, flattering, persuading

Examples of usage

  • She managed to get an extra dessert by wheedling the waiter.
  • The child was wheedling her parents for a new toy.
  • He was wheedling his way into her good graces with compliments.

Translations

Translations of the word "wheedling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 manipulação

🇮🇳 चापलूसी

🇩🇪 Schmeichelei

🇮🇩 merayu

🇺🇦 умисне вмовляння

🇵🇱 pochlebstwo

🇯🇵 お世辞

🇫🇷 flatterie

🇪🇸 adulación

🇹🇷 yağcılık

🇰🇷 아첨

🇸🇦 تملق

🇨🇿 lichocení

🇸🇰 lískať

🇨🇳 谄媚

🇸🇮 pripraviti

🇮🇸 hrós

🇰🇿 сұлу сөз

🇬🇪 მოწონება

🇦🇿 tərifləmək

🇲🇽 halagar

Etymology

The word 'wheedle' originates from the early 19th century, derived from the Scottish word 'wheedle' which means to persuade or influence someone in a subtle manner. It is believed to have roots in the Old English word ‘hwǣðel’, meaning to ‘ask’ or ‘inquire.’ The nuance of the word implies a level of cunning or cleverness in the act of persuasion, typically involving flattery or charm. Over the years, 'wheedle' has maintained its connotation of gentle manipulation and remains a commonly used term in the English language. The transition of its meaning over time reflects a broader cultural understanding of interpersonal communication, particularly the delicate balance between sincerity and subtle self-interest.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,062 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.