Wheedle

Pronunciation: /ˈwidl/

Definitions of wheedle

verb to influence or persuade someone through flattery or smooth talk

Example Sentences

A1 She tried to wheedle her parents into letting her stay up past her bedtime.

A2 The salesman tried to wheedle the customer into buying the more expensive product.

B1 He wheedled his way into getting a promotion at work.

B2 She was able to wheedle some extra time off from her boss for vacation.

C1 The politician was known for his ability to wheedle votes out of constituents.

C2 The lawyer wheedled crucial information out of the witness during cross-examination.

Examples of wheedle in a Sentence

formal The salesman tried to wheedle the customer into purchasing the more expensive product.

informal She always tries to wheedle her way out of doing chores.

slang He's always trying to wheedle free drinks from the bartender.

figurative The politician attempted to wheedle support from undecided voters.

Grammatical Forms of wheedle

• past tense: wheedled
• plural: wheedles
• comparative: more wheedling
• superlative: most wheedling
• present tense: wheedle
• future tense: will wheedle
• perfect tense: has wheedled
• continuous tense: is wheedling
• singular: wheedler
• positive degree: wheedle
• infinitive: to wheedle
• gerund: wheedling
• participle: wheedled

Origin and Evolution of wheedle

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'wheedle' originated from the Middle English word 'wethelen' which means to entice or persuade by flattery.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'wheedle' has retained its original meaning of using flattery or persuasion to influence someone, but it has also taken on a slightly negative connotation of being manipulative or deceitful in the process.