French word

amadouer

Pronunciation

IPA/amadwe/

Meaning

  • verbsoothe

Example

Il faut amadouer le bébé pour qu'il arrête de pleurer.

You have to soothe the baby so that it stops crying.

Illustration for amadouer (soothe)

More examples

J'ai réussi à amadouer mon collègue.

I managed to placate my colleague.

Core concept

A soothing voice or small kindness used to win over a wary person, child, or animal.

Common phrases

  • amadouer quelqu'un

    placate someone

  • amadouer un enfant

    placate a child

  • amadouer le chien

    placate the dog

Similar words

calmer: To quiet excitement or anxiety and bring someone to a calm state.
consoler: To offer comfort to someone facing sadness or hardship.
convaincre: To convince someone through sound reasoning to change their mind or behavior.
cajoler: To win someone over through flattering words or gestures.

Definition in French

Persuader ou calmer quelqu'un par des paroles ou des gestes doux afin d'obtenir son accord ou apaiser ses émotions.

Word origin

French preserves the Old French verb amadouer, whose early sense involved attracting or winning favor, while no deeper etymology is certain.

Usage tips

  • Unlike "calmer", amadouer often suggests winning favor or cooperation and can carry a mildly manipulative nuance.

Other meanings

  • cajoleverb

Opposites

Related words

  • amadouéplacatedadjective
  • amadouementappeasementnoun

Word lists with this word