English vocabulary
Cajole
/kəˈdʒoʊl/ · v.
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To cajole someone is to get them to do something with kind words. They may not want to do it at first, but the sweet talk helps change their mind.
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Example sentences
- She cajoled him into helping with dinner.
- The child cajoled Dad into another story.
Word origin and roots
from French
- cajoler — persuade (from French)
Synonyms and nuances
- COAX (Gently urge)
- WHEEDLE (Flatter persistently)
- PERSUADE (Win agreement)
Similar words
- coax
- wheedle
- persuade
- entice
- lure
Lesson notes
To cajole someone is to get them to do something with kind words. They may not want to do it at first, but the sweet talk helps change their mind.
Related: coax, wheedle, persuade. Use cajole when pleasant words win someone over.
She cajoled him into helping with dinner. The child cajoled Dad into another story.
From French. Cajoler means persuade. Cajoler became cajole. Sweet words persuade a reluctant person: that is cajole.