wheedling
Meaning
Using flattery or coaxing in order to persuade someone to do something or give one something.
The action of using flattery or coaxing.
Structure
Usage
She ignored his wheedling tone and refused to change her decision.
After much wheedling, the children finally got permission to stay up late.
His constant wheedling for favors made his colleagues wary of him.
Etymology
The verb 'wheedle' first appeared in English in the mid-17th century, though its precise origin remains obscure. It is likely derived from a Germanic source, with one plausible theory linking it to the Old English word 'wǣdlian', meaning 'to beg', which itself relates to 'wǣdl', meaning 'poverty' or 'want'. This etymological thread suggests a core concept of expressing need or desire to elicit a response. The '-ing' suffix, a prolific and ancient feature of English grammar, transforms the action into an adjective describing the manner of speech or a noun naming the act itself. Thus, 'wheedling' carries the historical sense of artfully pleading or coaxing to satisfy a want.
Analysis
'wheedl' is of uncertain origin, possibly from a Germanic root. The '-ing' suffix is from Old English '-ende' (present participle) and '-ung' (gerund/verbal noun).