Word: inveigle (verb)

Associations

The word "inveigle" means to persuade someone to do something by using clever, sometimes dishonest, words or tricks. It often has a negative feeling, like convincing someone in a sneaky or tricky way.

• She tried to inveigle her way into the party even though she wasn't invited. (Here, she uses clever talk to get in.)
• The salesman inveigled the customer into buying an expensive product they didn't need. (He tricked or persuaded the customer.)
• He inveigled his friend to lend him money by telling a sad story. (He persuaded with clever words.)

A well-known synonym is "persuade," but "persuade" is more neutral or positive, while "inveigle" suggests trickery or deceit.

Substitution

Instead of "inveigle," you can say:

• "persuade" (more general, neutral)
• "coax" (gently persuade)
• "wheedle" (persuade by flattery or trickery, similar to inveigle)
• "entice" (attract or tempt) Using "inveigle" often means the person is not honest or straightforward in persuading.

Deconstruction

The word "inveigle" comes from Old French "enveigler," meaning to bait or allure. It has the prefix "in-" (meaning "into" or "in") and the root related to "veil" or "vail," which means to cover or hide. So, "inveigle" originally meant to "lead someone into a trap" by hiding the truth, like covering something with a veil.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when someone tried to inveigle you or someone you know? How did you feel?
• How is inveigling different from honest persuasion in your opinion?
• In what situations might it be wrong or right to inveigle someone?