Persuade meaning

pər-swād'
The definition of persuade is to convince someone to do or think something.

An example of persuade is when you make a strong argument for why your idea is right and your argument convinces your boss to implement your idea.

verb
18
3
(now rare, dialectal) To urge, plead; to try to convince (someone to do something).
verb
12
3
To successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence. Compare sway.

That salesman was able to persuade me into buying this bottle of lotion.

verb
8
3
To induce to believe something; convince.
verb
4
3
To cause to do something by reasoning, urging, or inducement; prevail upon.
verb
3
4
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To cause (someone) to accept a point of view or to undertake a course of action by means of argument, reasoning, or entreaty.
verb
1
4

Origin of persuade

Latin persuādēre per- per- suādēre to urge swād- in Indo-European roots

Sentence Examples

  • How did you persuade Mother to agree to this?

  • He would not listen to anyone who tried to persuade him to stay at home.

  • Now I will try to persuade you.

  • He had the courage to step forward and take chances, and the ability to persuade others to follow.

  • My mother always tries to persuade me to spend time with my younger siblings.

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Words near persuade in the Dictionary