In the following vocabulary question, you must select the word that is closest in meaning to the given word. The word is "Cajole", which is often used in everyday and formal English. Which of the following options is most similar in meaning to "Cajole"?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of synonyms, that is, words with similar meanings. The target word is Cajole, which appears in both spoken and written English. Knowing the precise meaning helps you interpret texts accurately and choose the right word in your own writing. The options include words that relate to attraction, persuasion, and the opposite ideas of pushing someone away or disillusioning them.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The word given is Cajole.
• The options are Disenchant, Entice, Repulse and Bully.
• You must choose the word that is closest in meaning to Cajole.

Concept / Approach:
Cajole means to persuade someone gently by flattery, kindness or repeated coaxing. It carries a sense of soft, often charming influence, not harsh pressure. To solve the question, you should match this idea with the meanings of the options. Entice means to attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage, which aligns well with gentle persuasion. In contrast, Disenchant means to free from illusion, Repulse means to drive away or disgust, and Bully means to use threats or force, all of which move in a different direction from cajoling.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the definition of Cajole: to persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery. Step 2: Consider the option Entice, which means to attract or tempt someone, often by offering something appealing. Step 3: Observe that both cajole and entice involve drawing a person toward an action or decision, usually through pleasant or appealing means. Step 4: Evaluate Disenchant, which means to remove illusions or false beliefs, often making someone less pleased, which is the opposite of flattering persuasion. Step 5: Note that Repulse means to repel or push away, and Bully means to force or intimidate someone, both of which conflict with the gentle, flattering tone of cajole. Therefore, Entice is the closest synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can test the words in a sample sentence. Consider: The salesperson tried to cajole the customer into buying the expensive product. If you substitute entice, the sentence remains natural: The salesperson tried to entice the customer into buying the expensive product. However, if you substitute Disenchant, Repulse or Bully, the sentence either reverses the meaning or becomes ungrammatical in context. This substitution test is a powerful technique for verifying synonym questions in exams.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Disenchant suggests removing charm or illusion, often making someone more realistic or disappointed, which is the opposite of coaxing with charm. Repulse means to drive back or disgust, as in a smell that repulses people, which again conflicts with the notion of friendly persuasion. Bully implies aggressive pressure, threats or intimidation, all of which are harsh rather than gentle. Cajoling depends on soft influence, so any word with a sense of force or rejection does not match its meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to confuse cajole with bully because both can be used to influence another person. However, the methods are very different: cajoling uses kindness, charm and flattery, whereas bullying uses fear and pressure. Another pitfall is picking a word that simply feels formal without carefully checking the definition. To avoid this, always recall a simple definition or think of a context sentence for the target word before matching it with an option. This habit will greatly improve accuracy in vocabulary questions.

Final Answer:
The word that is most similar in meaning to Cajole is Entice.