In the following question, select the English word that is most similar in meaning to the given word: Cajole.

Introduction / Context:
This question examines your knowledge of synonyms, specifically for the verb cajole. Synonym questions test not only basic meaning but also the emotional tone and typical usage of words. Cajole is often used in everyday English to describe a gentle way of persuading someone by using praise or repeated friendly requests. Selecting the closest synonym requires understanding this nuance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Target word: Cajole.• Options: Disenchant, Entice, Repulse, Bully.• We assume standard dictionary meanings.• The correct synonym must reflect persuasion with a pleasing or tempting approach.

Concept / Approach:
Cajole means to persuade someone to do something by flattery, gentle urging, or pleasant talk. It usually implies soft and friendly pressure rather than force or fear. The word entice means to attract or tempt someone, often by offering something pleasant, which is very close to this idea. In contrast, disenchant means to cause someone to lose their illusions, repulse means to drive back or disgust, and bully means to force someone using threats. Therefore, entice is the nearest in sense and tone to cajole.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall or infer the meaning of cajole persuade gently with flattery or sweetness.Step 2: Examine entice, which means to attract or tempt by offering something desirable.Step 3: Note that both cajole and entice involve drawing someone towards an action in a pleasant way, not by direct force.Step 4: Look at disenchant, which means to free from illusion or disappointment, usually making someone less enthusiastic, so it is almost the opposite in effect.Step 5: Consider repulse, which carries the idea of driving away or causing strong dislike, again opposite in direction to persuasion.Step 6: Check bully, which is about harsh, threatening pressure rather than gentle coaxing, so it is not a synonym.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare sample sentences. She managed to cajole him into joining the team can be rephrased as She managed to entice him into joining the team, and the meaning remains very similar. However, if we tried She managed to bully him into joining the team, the emotional tone changes from soft persuasion to harsh coercion. Sentences with disenchant or repulse would reverse the direction of influence. This confirms that entice best matches cajole in typical contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Disenchant means to take away someone's dreams or illusions, often making them feel disappointed, which is unrelated to gently persuading them. Repulse suggests pushing someone away or causing disgust, which is the opposite of attracting them. Bully implies intimidation and threat, not soft verbal charm. None of these share the friendly persuasive quality of cajole.

Common Pitfalls:
Examinees sometimes focus only on the fact that bully and cajole both describe ways of influencing people and mistakenly treat them as similar. However, the manner and emotional tone are completely different. Remember that synonyms must match both meaning and usual emotional colour. Always think of example sentences and mental images for each word before choosing your answer.

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