-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

266 / 371

noun

persuasion

per-SWAY-zhun/pərˈsweɪʒn/

The act of convincing someone to believe or do something.

The gardener uses persuasion to encourage the neighbor to plant a tree.

A gardener convinces a neighbor to plant a sapling by showing a simple shade-tree model beside a small house model; neighbor nods and accepts the shovel.

Etymology

perLatinthrough; thoroughly

+suasLatinadvise or urge

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Strong urging becomes the name of an action through the noun ending. In its early English sense, persuasion specifically meant inducing belief by appeals to reason rather than authority, force, or fear.

In context

Microlearning Daily7:22

to build positive relationships and enhance their reputation. Soft power complements traditional tools like military force and economic sanctions. By investing in soft power, governments can achieve their goals through persuasion and cooperation.

Foreign Policy Analysis and Decision Making (16 Minutes)

More examples

Her persuasion changed his mind.
The campaign relied on persuasion.
They discussed the limits of persuasion.

Forms

persuasion

persuade verb — convince someone to believe or act

Similar words

convincing: The act of winning someone's belief.
coercion: Uses pressure or force rather than agreement.