coax
Translation
to coax, to persuade, to wheedle
Examples
She tried to coax the cat out from under the car.
She tried to coax the cat out from under the car.
He coaxed a smile from the baby.
He coaxed a smile from the baby.
He coaxed the fire to burn by adding small twigs.
He coaxed the fire to burn by adding small twigs.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((into -ing)) to persuade (sb.) to do (sth.) gently He coaxed her into trying the new food.
((sth.)) ((out of sb.)) to get (sth.) from (sb.) by persuasion She coaxed the secret out of him.
((sb.)) ((from sth.)) to persuade (sb.) to leave (a place) They coaxed the child from his hiding place.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Middle English 'cokes', meaning a fool, originally implying to make a fool of someone.
Memory Tips
Imagine using 'cakes' to coax someone to do something for you. It implies gentle persuasion.