What does wheedlingly mean?
Wheedlingly is an adverb that describes someone or something that is wheedling, often in a persistent or annoying way. It can be used to convey a sense of frustration or annoyance, especially in informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it's best to use more diplomatic language. The word is derived from the verb 'wheedle,' which means to persuade someone by persistent or annoying behavior. Wheedlingly is often used to describe someone who is trying to get something by being overly persistent or annoying. In some cases, it can also be used to describe something that is being done in a wheedling manner, such as trying to get out of doing homework. Overall, wheedlingly is a useful word for describing someone or something that is being overly persistent or annoying.
adverbUsed to describe someone or something that is wheedling, especially in a persistent or annoying way.
- Used to describe someone or something that is wheedling, especially in a persistent or annoying way.
"She wheedledly asked for a raise, but her boss was not impressed."
"She wheedledly asked for a raise, but her boss was not impressed."
"He wheedledly tried to get out of doing his homework."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wheedlingly
The word wheedlingly is derived from the verb 'wheedle,' which originated in the 15th century from the Middle English word 'whedelen,' meaning 'to persuade by flattery or deceit.' The adverbial form wheedlingly emerged in the 17th century as a way to describe someone or something that is wheedling in a persistent or annoying way. The word has cognates in other languages, such as the French 'faire des avances' and the German 'schmeicheln.'
How wheedlingly is actually used
In informal contexts, wheedlingly can be used to convey a sense of annoyance or frustration. However, in formal writing, it's best to use more diplomatic language.