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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

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beguile

IPA:

How to pronounce beguile (audio)

Dictionary definition of beguile

To charm, captivate, or deceive someone through artful persuasion or manipulation.
"She uses her charm to beguile her way into the most exclusive events."

Detailed meaning of beguile

When someone is said to "beguile," they are using their charisma, wit, or cunning to engage another person's attention, often with the intention of gaining trust, favor, or advantage. This term can imply an alluring or enchanting quality that holds someone's interest or affection. However, "beguile" can also carry a negative connotation, suggesting the use of trickery or deception to lead someone astray or into making decisions that they might not otherwise make. The action of "beguiling" involves the art of influencing or captivating through a combination of charm, allure, and sometimes deceit, making it a versatile verb with both positive and potentially manipulative implications.

Example sentences containing beguile

1. Her eloquent speech beguiled the audience with its passion.
2. The magician used sleight of hand to beguile the audience.
3. The con artist tried to beguile her into a fraudulent scheme.
4. The beautiful sunset never failed to beguile him.
5. His charming smile had the power to beguile anyone.
6. The storyteller's tales never failed to beguile the children.

History and etymology of beguile

The verb 'beguile' has an etymology rooted in Old English and Old French. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'beguflan,' which meant 'to deceive' or 'to cheat.' This Old English term later evolved into 'beguilen' in Middle English, taking on additional meanings related to charming or captivating through persuasion or manipulation. The influence of Old French, particularly the word 'beguiler,' which means 'to deceive' or 'to cheat,' also played a role in shaping the word's meaning. As a result, 'beguile' encompasses the dual sense of charming or captivating someone through artful persuasion while also potentially deceiving them. The etymology of 'beguile' reflects its historical journey from notions of deception to a broader range of meanings related to charming and captivating through clever or persuasive means.

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Further usage examples of beguile

1. She used her wit and humor to beguile her way into their hearts.
2. The salesman tried to beguile customers into buying unnecessary products.
3. The enigmatic painting seemed to beguile viewers into deep contemplation.
4. He hoped to beguile her into going on a date with him.
5. The intricate dance moves were meant to beguile the judges.
6. Her melodious voice had the ability to beguile even the sternest of critics.
7. The novelist's words could beguile readers into different worlds.
8. The soothing music had the power to beguile troubled souls.
9. The cunning politician tried to beguile voters with false promises.
10. His charisma allowed him to beguile his way into high society.
11. The clever marketing campaign sought to beguile consumers into buying the product.
12. The cat's playful antics never failed to beguile its owner.
13. She used her charm to beguile him into revealing his secrets.
14. The illusionist's tricks were designed to beguile the audience's senses.
15. The actor's talent could beguile even the most discerning of critics.
16. The charismatic leader sought to beguile the masses with his vision.
17. Her graceful dance moves were meant to beguile the judges.
18. The novelist's vivid descriptions could beguile readers for hours.
19. The seductive melody seemed to beguile everyone in the room.

Prefix be-, Deceit and Pretense, Clandestine and Conniving, Manipulation and Deception, Deception and Trickery

allure,attract,captivate,delight,enchant,enrapture,entice,fascinate,mesmerize,seduce

enchant, bore, repel, disenchant

eb68db_800d109999524863b91b64b0b1cfdc32.mp3

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