coax
B2Predominantly informal and neutral; common in spoken and written narratives, less common in highly formal or technical registers except in specific metaphorical extensions.
Definition
Meaning
To gently and persistently persuade someone to do something or to obtain something from them, often through flattery, patience, or subtle manipulation.
The verb also refers to the careful and skillful handling of a delicate object, system, or situation to achieve a desired result, such as coaxing a fire to start or coaxing performance from an old machine. It implies a tender, gradual, and artful process rather than force.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries connotations of patience, skill, gentleness, and sometimes indirectness. It is not synonymous with 'force', 'command', or 'demand'. The object of coaxing is often reluctant, hesitant, or non-responsive. In computing/engineering contexts, it can be used semi-technically to mean carefully adjusting parameters for optimal performance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or frequency. The metaphorical use for machines/technology might be slightly more prevalent in American English.
Connotations
Equally positive/neutral in both varieties. Slightly more likely to be associated with handling children or pets in UK examples, and with technology or business deals in US examples, though both uses are universal.
Frequency
Moderate and comparable frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
coax + OBJECT (e.g., She coaxed the cat.)coax + OBJECT + into + -ING / NP (e.g., He coaxed her into attending.)coax + OBJECT + out of + NP / -ING (e.g., They coaxed a promise out of him.)coax + OBJECT + ADVERBIAL (e.g., We coaxed the wire through the conduit.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Coax into the open”
- “Coax life into something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to describe subtly persuading a client or colleague: 'The negotiator coaxed a better deal from the supplier.'
Academic
Rare in hard sciences; appears in social sciences or humanities describing subtle influence: 'The researcher coaxed personal narratives from the interview subjects.'
Everyday
Very common for pets, children, shy people, or reluctant participation: 'I finally coaxed him to try the new restaurant.'
Technical
In engineering/IT: 'The technician coaxed the legacy system back online.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She had to coax the elderly neighbour into accepting some help.
- He spent an hour coaxing the vintage motorcycle to start.
- Can you coax the dog out from under the bed?
American English
- The developer coaxed more performance from the old code.
- I coaxed my friend into coming to the party.
- They managed to coax a statement out of the tight-lipped official.
adverb
British English
- (Note: 'Coax' does not have a standard adverbial form. 'Coaxingly' is very rare and non-standard.)
American English
- (Note: 'Coax' does not have a standard adverbial form. 'Coaxingly' is very rare and non-standard.)
adjective
British English
- (Note: 'Coax' is not standardly used as an adjective. 'Coaxial' is a separate, technical term.)
American English
- (Note: 'Coax' is not standardly used as an adjective. 'Coaxial' is a separate, technical term.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The mother coaxed the baby to eat.
- Can you coax the kitten to play?
- It took a while to coax him into telling us what happened.
- She coaxed the plant back to health with careful watering.
- The interviewer skillfully coaxed out details the witness had forgotten.
- With some gentle encouragement, we coaxed the proposal from the reluctant committee.
- The diplomat's art was in coaxing concessions from adversaries without seeming to demand them.
- He coaxed every last nuance of colour from the fading sunset in his painting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a COACH (sounds like 'coax') who doesn't shout but gently and patiently persuades their team to perform better.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS GENTLE PHYSICAL MANIPULATION (e.g., pulling, guiding with soft touch).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'уговаривать' which can be more neutral/pleading. 'Coax' specifically implies gentle, artful, often flattering persuasion. A closer conceptual fit might be 'осторожно уговаривать' or 'задобрить'. It is not 'убеждать' (convince through argument).
Common Mistakes
- Using it for forceful persuasion. Incorrect: 'He coaxed me to sign the contract by threatening me.' (Use 'forced' or 'pressured').
- Using the wrong preposition. Incorrect: 'She coaxed him to do it.' (While understood, 'coaxed him into doing it' is more idiomatic).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'coax' used INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly positive or neutral, implying skill and gentleness. However, it can have a mildly negative connotation if the persuasion is seen as overly manipulative or sly.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically with machines, plants, artistic performances, etc., to mean carefully nurturing or adjusting to get a desired result.
'Persuade' is broader and can involve reasoning or argument. 'Coax' is a specific type of persuasion that is gentle, gradual, and often uses kindness, flattery, or patience, especially with a reluctant subject.
No, that's a common false friend. 'Coaxial' comes from 'co-' (together) and 'axis'. The verb 'coax' has a different, obscure etymology possibly related to 'cokes' (a simpleton), making 'coax' mean to make a fool of someone (through sweet talk).