cajole
Say it: kuh-JOHL /kəˈdʒəʊl/ · verb
What “cajole” means
Persuade someone with compliments, gentle pressure or repeated encouragement.
More precisely: To persuade someone with flattery, gentle pressure or repeated coaxing.
Example: “She cajoled her flatmates into a 6 a.m. run with promises of pancakes.”
When to use it
In everyday conversation, when someone wins a reluctant person over with charm, compliments or persistent gentle coaxing.
Similar words
coax, wheedle, sweet-talk
Where it comes from
From French cajoler, 'to coax'.
Quick check
You praise your brother's brilliant baking and keep sweetly asking until he agrees to make dessert. You…
coerce or cajole?
Show the answer
cajole
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