- Today's Word
Wheedle
WEE-dul
Definition
(verb) To use flattery or persuasion to get something.
Example
She managed to wheedle an extra day off by complimenting her boss’ new haircut.
Fun Fact
Wheedle has a surprisingly gentle sound for a word that’s all about manipulation—albeit the charming kind. It first appeared in English in the 1600s and was associated with purring, soft coaxing, and verbal sugar-coating. Today, it’s common in social commentary, especially when someone is using charm to get their way behind the scenes.
(adjective) Severe or strict in manner or appearance; having no comforts or luxuries; pleasingly simple and unadorned.
The monastery’s austere design — bare stone walls, minimal furniture, and no decoration — was intentional, meant to keep the monks focused on contemplation rather than comfort.
Austere comes from the Greek austēros, meaning “harsh” or “rough to the taste,” originally used to describe the bitter, drying quality of unripe fruit. The word passed into Latin as austerus and then into Old French before arriving in English in the 14th century. Its early use referred to physical sensations before expanding to describe strict, unadorned behavior and environments.