cajole
C1formal/informal
Definition
Meaning
to persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery
to obtain something from someone by artful persuasion, sometimes involving deception or gentle pressure
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies persistent, gentle persuasion, often with an element of insincerity or manipulation. The action is typically gradual, not forceful.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British English literary contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties carry a connotation of mild manipulation, but not necessarily malicious intent.
Frequency
Low-medium frequency in both varieties; more likely found in written narratives, journalism, or formal speech than in casual conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cajole someone into doing somethingcajole something out of someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none specific”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in contexts of soft negotiation or internal persuasion: 'She cajoled the team into accepting the tight deadline.'
Academic
Very rare in technical writing. May appear in political science or historical narratives describing diplomatic manoeuvres.
Everyday
Low frequency. Used when describing persuasive family or social interactions: 'I cajoled my brother into driving me to the airport.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He managed to cajole his grandmother into lending him the car.
- The politician tried to cajole votes from the undecided electorate.
- It took an hour to cajole the secret out of him.
American English
- She cajoled her dad into buying the concert tickets.
- The salesperson cajoled me into an extended warranty.
- They cajoled a donation out of the wealthy investor.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- N/A
- N/A
- My friend cajoled me into going to a party I didn't want to attend.
- The children cajoled their parents for one more story.
- The diplomat skillfully cajoled the reluctant delegates into signing the provisional agreement.
- Through a mixture of flattery and feigned helplessness, she cajoled the information she needed from the clerk.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Jolly person using gentle Jokes and flattery to CA-JOLE you into doing something.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS A GENTLE PULL (coaxing, drawing someone along)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with уговаривать (to persuade generally) or убеждать (to convince). 'Cajole' specifically implies using flattery and pleasant talk over time, not logical argument.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for forceful persuasion. Incorrect: 'He cajoled them at gunpoint.' Correct: 'He cajoled them with promises of a reward.'
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best illustrates the meaning of 'cajole'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral-to-slightly negative, often implying mild manipulation or insincere flattery, though the outcome may be harmless.
Rarely. Its primary patterns are 'cajole someone into doing something' or 'cajole something out of someone'. Using it transitively (e.g., 'She cajoled him') is incomplete.
Cajolery (/kəˈdʒəʊl(ə)ri/). Example: 'He used a combination of promises and cajolery.'
Very close, but 'cajole' can have a slightly stronger implication of using flattery or deception, whereas 'coax' is more neutral, focusing on gentle persistence.