Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cause someone to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action; to convince: The core meaning of "persuade" is to successfully influence someone's thoughts or actions through reasoning, argument, or appeal.
   • To win approval or support for something: To gain agreement or backing for a particular idea or proposal.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • She managed to persuade the committee to fund her project. (She successfully convinced the committee to provide money.)
  • I am not persuaded by his argument; the evidence seems weak. (I am not convinced by his reasoning.)
  • Can you persuade him of the need for urgent action? (Can you make him believe that urgent action is necessary?)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "To persuade someone to do something": This is the most common construction, focusing on influencing an action.
  • They persuaded me to join the team.
• "To persuade someone of something": This construction focuses on influencing a belief or opinion.
  • He tried to persuade us of his innocence.
• "To be persuaded that...": This describes the state of being convinced.
  • I am persuaded that this is the best course of action.

Variants and Related Words

• Persuasion (n): The act of persuading or a strongly held belief.
  • She used gentle persuasion to get her way.
• Persuasive (adj): Good at persuading someone to do or believe something.
  • He gave a very persuasive speech.
• Persuasively (adv): In a persuasive manner.
  • He argued his case persuasively.

Synonyms

• Convince: To make someone believe that something is true. (Often used interchangeably with "persuade," though "convince" can lean more towards changing a belief, while "persuade" leans more towards prompting an action.)
• Coax: To persuade gently or gradually.
• Induce: To succeed in persuading or influencing someone to do something.

Antonyms

• Dissuade: To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action.
• Deter: To discourage someone from doing something by instilling doubt or fear.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A persuasive argument/case: A set of reasons or evidence that is compelling and likely to convince people.
• The art of persuasion: The skill of effectively convincing others.
• Beyond persuasion: Unable to be convinced or reasoned with.
  • His mind was made up; he was beyond persuasion.

Verb

1. cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action; twist somebody's arm
   • You can't persuade me to buy this ugly vase!
2. win approval or support for
   • Carry all before one
   • His speech did not sway the voters