The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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cajole

verb

/kəˈdʒəʊl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of cajole

To persuade or coax someone gently or flatteringly, often in order to get them to do something they are unwilling or reluctant to do.
"She tried to cajole her friend into going to the party with her."

Detailed meaning of cajole

It is characterized by the use of flattery, charm, or persuasion in order to influence someone's behavior or decision. The verb form of cajole is often used in a negative sense to describe manipulative or insincere behavior. An example of a sentence using the word cajole would be "The salesperson tried to cajole the customer into buying a more expensive car than they had planned."

Example sentences containing cajole

1. He tried to cajole his friend into joining him for the adventure trip.
2. When her favorite doll was lost, her mother had to cajole her to stop crying.
3. The coach had to cajole the team into believing they could win the match.
4. She had to cajole her brother into helping her with her math homework.
5. He used his charm to cajole the waitress into giving him a bigger portion.
6. The kids managed to cajole their dad into letting them stay up late.

History and etymology of cajole

The verb 'cajole' has an etymology rooted in the French language. It can be traced back to the French word 'cajoler,' which means 'to coax' or 'to flatter.' The French term itself likely has origins in the word 'gajoler,' meaning 'to chatter' or 'to babble.' In the context of 'cajole,' the idea is to use gentle persuasion, often through the use of soothing words, flattery, or coaxing, to influence someone to do something they may be hesitant or unwilling to do. Thus, 'cajole' captures the essence of using sweet-talk and charm to win someone over or convince them to take a particular action, a concept deeply embedded in its French etymological roots.

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Further usage examples of cajole

1. They had to cajole the reluctant witness into testifying.
2. It took a lot of effort to cajole the investors into funding the startup.
3. The salesman tried to cajole me into buying a more expensive model.
4. If you cajole the puppy with treats, it might learn the trick faster.
5. She managed to cajole her boss into giving her a day off.
6. Despite his efforts to cajole the stubborn mule, it wouldn't move.
7. With a little charm, he managed to cajole the guards into letting him in.
8. The children managed to cajole their parents into getting a pet.
9. To convince the crowd to follow the new policies, the leader had to cajole them with promises of a better future.
10. She had to cajole her friend into going to the party with her.
11. The agent tried to cajole the celebrity into signing the contract.
12. The team captain had to cajole his teammates to give their best in the tournament.
13. She used her persuasive skills to cajole the audience into donating to the charity.
14. The teacher had to cajole the student into participating in the class discussion.