- Today's Word
Blandishment
BLAN-dish-ment
Definition
(noun) A flattering or coaxing remark meant to gently persuade someone to do something.
Example
No amount of blandishment from the salesman could convince her to buy the overpriced warranty.
Word Origin
Blandishment comes from the French blandir, meaning “to soften,” which itself traces back to the Latin blandus, meaning “smooth, flattering, or mild.” Over time it came to describe gentle persuasion—words that feel sweet on the surface but are often used with intention beneath.
Fun Fact
Psychologists studying persuasion have found that humans respond far more strongly to praise than to pressure. In sales, negotiations, and even everyday conversation, a well-placed compliment can lower resistance and shift decision-making. This behavioral tendency is part of what makes blandishments so effective—they feel harmless but can subtly shape choices without the person realizing it.