verb
persuade
per-SWAYD/pərˈsweɪd/
Cause someone to accept an idea or take action through argument or appeal.
The person persuades the hesitant friend to take the bicycle.
Etymology
The prefix strengthens the idea of urging. The resulting Latin verb meant bringing someone over by talking, connecting persuasion with winning acceptance through argument or appeal.
In context
If you're a doctor, you need to persuade your patient to be mindful of the ways to promote good health and to follow the best guidance and instruction …
More examples
- The evidence persuaded me that his explanation was correct.
- Can you persuade the landlord to fix the heater?
- Persuading voters takes more than making promises.
Forms
persuade · persuades · persuaded · persuading
persuasion noun — The act of winning someone over.
persuasive adjective — Effective at winning agreement or prompting action.