Vocabulary word Persuade - Practice with online flashcards, spelling bees and vocabulary quizzes

Influence and Persuasion

Learning activities:

Persuasion and Negotiation

Learning activities:

TOEFL 10

Learning activities:

Dictionary Definition of persuade

To convince or influence someone to believe in or do something.
"The lawyer attempted to persuade the jury of his client's innocence."

Detailed Meaning of Persuade

This can be done through various methods such as logical arguments, emotional appeals, or by appealing to someone's self-interest. Persuasion can be used in many different contexts, such as in advertising, politics, sales, and personal relationships. The goal of persuasion is to change someone's attitude or behavior, by providing evidence and logical reasoning that supports a particular point of view.
Effective persuasion often involves understanding the audience and tailoring the message to their specific needs and concerns. Additionally, using persuasive techniques such as emotional appeals and storytelling can help to make the message more memorable and impactful. Persuasion can also be used to motivate or inspire people, or to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Example Sentences for Persuade

1. She was able to persuade her friend to come to the party.
2. The salesman tried to persuade the customer to buy the product.
3. He used his charisma to persuade the audience to his point of view.
4. The teacher used different strategies to persuade the students to pay attention.
5. The politician tried to persuade voters to support his campaign.
6. She was able to persuade her boss to give her a raise.

Origin and Etymology of Persuade

The verb 'persuade' has its etymological roots in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'persuadere,' which is formed by combining 'per,' meaning 'thoroughly,' and 'suadere,' meaning 'to advise' or 'to urge.' Therefore, 'persuadere' originally meant to advise or urge someone thoroughly, often with the intention of influencing their beliefs or actions. Over time, this Latin term evolved into the modern English verb 'persuade,' which signifies the act of convincing or influencing someone to believe in or do something through reasoned arguments, compelling evidence, or persuasive appeals. This etymology underscores the enduring connection between persuasion and the art of urging or advising effectively to achieve a desired outcome.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb persuade:

repel

convince

dissuade

discourage

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Persuade

1. The parents had to persuade their child to eat his vegetables.
2. He used humor to persuade his friend to go on the roller coaster.
3. The coach tried to persuade the athlete to join the team.
4. The advertiser used emotional appeals to persuade consumers to buy the product.
5. The activist group worked hard to persuade lawmakers to pass the bill.
6. She tried to persuade him to join the hiking trip this weekend.
7. Can you persuade your team to adopt this innovative approach?
8. He used facts and logic to persuade the jury of his innocence.
9. It's challenging to persuade her to change her mind once it's set.
10. They worked hard to persuade the investors to fund their project.
11. The teacher tried to persuade the students to study for the test.
12. She managed to persuade him to attend the family reunion.
13. It's crucial to persuade customers to choose our product over others.
14. They hope to persuade the council to approve the new park design.
15. The passionate speech managed to persuade many to support the cause.
16. I'll do my best to persuade them to attend the conference.
17. He used charisma and charm to persuade the audience to donate.
18. She had to persuade her parents to let her go on the school trip.
19. It's not easy to persuade people to change their eating habits.
20. The campaign aims to persuade people to recycle more effectively.
21. They sought to persuade the committee to reconsider their decision.
22. The documentary was meant to persuade viewers to take action.
23. Can you persuade your colleagues to endorse the proposal?
24. It took months to persuade him to move to a new city.
25. The salesman used various techniques to persuade customers to buy.