Blandishes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Delicate remarks or gestures aimed at persuading, charming, or influencing someone to act in a desired way
2. Subtle enticements or compliments intended to sway someone's opinion or behavior through kindness or allure
3. To attempt to influence or persuade someone by using gentle or flattering language

Etymology: Here "blandishes" is the plural of "blandish," a noun for a flattering or coaxing word or gesture. The root is the Latin verb "blandiri," meaning "to flatter" or "to coax," from "blandus," meaning "smooth" or "caressing." English adopted the verb as "blandisshen" in the Middle Ages. The same Latin adjective "blandus" also gave English "bland," which first meant soothing or mild, the sense of something that caresses rather than irritates. Only later did it narrow to mean dull or lacking flavor.

Synonyms: flattery, persuasion, coaxing