blandish: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2+ vocabulary)Formal, Literary
Quick answer
What does “blandish” mean?
To persuade someone by using flattery, smooth and pleasant words, or coaxing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To persuade someone by using flattery, smooth and pleasant words, or coaxing.
To coax or persuade with gentle, flattering speech; to cajole in a charming manner. It implies a deliberate, often insincere, attempt to win favour or agreement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties share the literary, somewhat archaic or formal connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary spoken or informal written English. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British historical or literary contexts, but the difference is negligible.
Grammar
How to Use “blandish” in a Sentence
to blandish someone (into doing something)to blandish someone with somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blandish” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The courtier sought to blandish the king with extravagant compliments to secure a favour.
- He tried to blandish her into signing the contract by praising her business acumen.
American English
- The lobbyist attempted to blandish the senator with promises of future support.
- Parents shouldn't have to blandish their children to eat their vegetables.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb form. Use 'blandishingly' (rare).
American English
- No standard adverb form. Use 'blandishingly' (rare).
adjective
British English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'blandishing' as a participial adjective (e.g., a blandishing smile).
American English
- No standard adjective form. Use 'blandishing' as a participial adjective (e.g., blandishing words).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, might appear in literary criticism or historical analysis describing interpersonal dynamics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blandish”
- Using it as a noun (correct noun is 'blandishment').
- Using it in modern, casual contexts where it sounds unnatural.
- Confusing it with 'brandish' (to wave something).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a rare, formal, and literary word. In most contexts, 'coax', 'cajole', or 'flatter' would be more natural choices.
The noun form is 'blandishment' (often used in the plural: 'blandishments'), meaning flattering or pleasing statements or actions used to persuade someone.
It can. While it simply means to coax with flattery, it often implies that the flattery is strategic and perhaps insincere, used to manipulate. The context determines the nuance.
'Flatter' means to praise someone excessively, often to please them or boost their ego. 'Blandish' is more active and goal-oriented; it means to use such flattery specifically as a tool to persuade or coax someone into doing something.
To persuade someone by using flattery, smooth and pleasant words, or coaxing.
Blandish is usually formal, literary in register.
Blandish: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblændɪʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblændɪʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this verb”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
BLANDish sounds like 'blend' + 'ish'. Think of someone trying to blend in by using smooth, 'bland' (inoffensive) talk to get what they want.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS A SMOOTH SURFACE / SOFTENING (blandish, smooth-talk, soften up)
Practice
Quiz
What is the closest meaning of 'blandish' in this sentence: 'The diplomat's role was to blandish the hostile delegates into a more cooperative mood.'?