Definition

Cajole means to persuade or coax someone through flattery, insincere praise, or gentle pleading.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Cajole is a verb.

Synonyms

Coax, persuade, wheedle, sweet-talk, charm, flatter, entice.

Antonyms

Discourage, dissuade, deter, repel, repulse, dissuade.

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun cajoleries, cajolery
Verb cajoled, cajoling, cajole, cajoles
Adjective None
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The politician resorted to empty promises and flattery to cajole voters into supporting his campaign.

  • The parents used gentle persuasion and rewards to cajole their stubborn child into trying new foods.

  • The salesperson employed charm and persuasive tactics to cajole reluctant customers into making a purchase.

  • The manager resorted to cajoling and pleading to convince her team to work overtime and meet the tight deadline.

Usage

Cajole is a word that describes a type of persuasion that is characterized by flattery, insincere praise, or gentle pleading. It is often used in situations where someone is trying to persuade someone else to do something that they may not want to do or may be hesitant to do. Cajoling can be seen as a manipulative technique, as it involves the use of compliments or other forms of persuasion to get someone to do something they may not otherwise want to do.

The term “cajole” comes from the French word “cajoler,” which means to flatter or coax. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as in business negotiations, political campaigns, or personal relationships. In some cases, cajoling can be a positive and effective way of persuading someone, particularly when it is done in a sincere and respectful manner.

Cajole can also be used with different prefixes and suffixes to modify its meaning. For example, the prefix “re-” can be added to create the word “recajole,” which means to persuade someone again after they have initially resisted. The suffix “-r” can be added to create “cajoler,” which refers to someone who frequently uses cajoling as a persuasion technique.

In conclusion, cajole is a verb that describes a type of persuasion that involves flattery, insincere praise, or gentle pleading. It can be used in a variety of contexts and can be seen as both positive and negative depending on how it is used. While it is a useful tool for persuading others, it is important to use it in a sincere and respectful manner to avoid manipulation or deceit.