What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cajoling
Example
She was cajoling her friend to go to the party with her. [cajoling: verb]
Example
He used cajoling tactics to get his boss to approve his vacation request. [cajoling: noun]
flattery
Example
She showered him with flattery to get him to buy her dinner. [flattery: noun]
Example
He flattered his teacher to get a better grade on his assignment. [flattered: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Flattery is more commonly used than cajoling in everyday language. Flattery is a versatile term that covers a wide range of contexts, while cajoling is less common and specific to situations where gentle persuasion is involved.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cajoling and flattery?
Both cajoling and flattery can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, cajoling is generally associated with a more casual and informal tone, while flattery can be employed in various formality levels.