wheedling
Definition
Noun: The act of persuading or attempting to persuade someone to do something or give you something by using flattery, coaxing, or gentle, persistent pleading. It often involves using a charming or ingratiating manner.
Usage
"Wheedling" is used to describe a specific, often manipulative, method of persuasion. It is typically a negative or disapproving term, suggesting the use of insincere praise or excessive coaxing to achieve a goal. It refers to the action or process itself.
Examples
- The child's constant wheedling for a new toy finally wore down his parents' resistance.
- She saw through his transparent wheedling and refused to lend him any more money.
- The salesperson's wheedling made the customer uncomfortable, so they left the store.
Advanced Usage
- As a verbal noun (gerund): While "wheedling" is primarily a standard noun, it originates from the verb "to wheedle." In sentences like "His wheedling was annoying," it functions as a noun. However, it can also appear in a gerundive construction: "He got his way by wheedling."
- In a descriptive context: It can be used attributively to modify another noun, describing the nature of an action.
- He spoke in a wheedling tone. (Here, "wheedling" acts as an adjective describing the tone.)
Variants and Related Words
- Wheedle (verb): To employ flattery or coaxing in order to persuade someone.
- He tried to wheedle a promise out of her.
- Wheedler (noun): A person who habitually wheedles.
Synonyms
- Coaxing
- Cajolery
- Flattery
- Ingratiation
- Blandishment
Antonyms
- Intimidation
- Bullying
- Demanding
- Commanding
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To wheedle something out of someone: A common phrasal construction using the verb form, meaning to obtain something from someone by wheedling.
- She managed to wheedle the secret out of her brother.
Noun
-
the act of urging by means of teasing or flattery
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
