Inveigle
/ɪnˈveɪɡəl/
verbC2
Definition
To inveigle someone is to get them to do what you want by using charm, lies, or clever talk. It often means tricking or fooling a person gently, so they agree without realizing they are being persuaded in a not fully honest way.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
To persuade someone by using clever or dishonest words
- •She inveigled her way into the secret meeting by pretending to be a reporter.
- •He tried to inveigle his friend into lending him money with a false story.
- •The salesman inveigled customers into buying things they did not need.
To obtain something by trickery or flattery
- •They inveigled the password from the new employee.
- •She inveigled an invitation to the party by complimenting the host.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inveigle" like "convince," but with a secret trick or little lie behind it—it's not just honest talking.
- ✓Picture a snake charmer gently moving a snake with music—slow, smooth, and careful to control without force.
- ✓It's the feeling when someone talks so nicely that you want to say yes, even if you feel unsure inside.
- ✓Sounds like "in-VEIL" → imagine someone hiding truth under a thin veil (cover), using words that hide the real meaning.
- ✓In stories, a clever character might inveigle others to join a plan by flattering or tricking them.
- ✓NOT like "ask" (simple request)—inveigle is more like "persuade with tricks."
- ✓NOT like "force" (using power)—inveigle uses gentle words, not pressure.
- ✓NOT like "convince" (honest reasons)—inveigle often uses lies or tricks to get agreement.
Try Other Words
- •Persuade: to make someone agree or do something (Use when the method is honest and clear)
- •Coax: to gently persuade someone (Use when the persuasion is kind and patient)
- •Entice: to attract someone by offering something pleasant (Use when offering something good to get agreement)
- •Deceive: to make someone believe something not true (Use when the goal is to lie or mislead directly)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "in-" (into) + "veigle" (related to old French "aveugler" meaning to blind or deceive)
- •Etymology: From Old French "enveugler," meaning to blind or trick someone by words
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 1500s to describe tricking someone by speech
- •Modern usage: Used mainly in formal or literary contexts to describe clever or dishonest persuasion
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when someone inveigled you or others? How did it feel?
•How is inveigling different from simply persuading someone honestly? Why might people use it?
Fill in the blanks
1.She tried to inveigle her way ___ the meeting by pretending to be important.
2.To inveigle someone, you often use ___ words that hide the true meaning.
3.Unlike honest requests, inveigling usually involves some kind of ___ or trick.
4.He inveigled the password ___ the new employee by flattering her.
5.When people inveigle others, they try to get what they want without using ___ force.
6.The salesman inveigled customers ___ buying things they did not really need.
7.If someone is honest, they will persuade without trying to ___ or deceive.