cajole
kuh-JOHL
/kəˈdʒoʊl/
To persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing, flattery, or gentle pleading.
Suggests lighthearted, persistent, or sweet-talking coaxing rather than aggressive pressure.
The story behind the word. Cajole flew into English from the Old French word 'cageoler', which originally meant to chatter like a jay in a cage ('cageole'). It paints a vivid picture of someone bird-singing sweet phrases repeatedly until you yield.
Word relationships
- coax: Coax is broader and simpler; cajole specifically highlights sweet talk and flattery.
- dissuade: To advise or persuade someone against taking an action.
Commonly confused with
- coerce: Coerce relies on fear and threats; cajole relies on sweet talk and persistent personal charm.
Word family
- cajolement (noun): Persuasion by flattery or gentle pleading.
- cajolery (noun): Coaxing or flattering behavior intended to persuade.
Collocations
- cajole into
- cajole out of
- gently cajole
- cajole someone with flattery
Example sentences
- "She managed to cajole her brother into giving her a ride to the station by promising to do his chores." Family anecdote
- "The manager tried to cajole the exhausted team into working one more weekend with promises of pizza and bonus pay." Workplace negotiation
Memory hook
CAJOLE sounds like coaxing a bird into a CAGE with playful chirps. Sweet talk to coax someone.
When not to use
Do not use when describing threats, coercion, or formal legal arguments.
Fun facts
- In old French falconry and songbird keeping, vocal coaxing ('cageolage') was used to tame wild birds.
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