adjective

persuasive

per-SWAY-siv/pərˈsweɪsɪv/

Able or intended to convince someone to believe or do something.

The speaker's persuasive ramp demonstration wins nods from the listeners.

A compelling speaker demonstrates how a simple ramp lets a wheelchair roll smoothly into a model building, listeners nod in agreement with the convincing example.

Etymology

perLatinthoroughly, strongly

+suasLatinurge, persuade

+iveLatinhaving a tendency or capacity

The adjective ending turns the idea of strongly urging or convincing into a capacity. Something persuasive has the power to win someone over, rather than merely making an attempt to do so.

In context

The Humanist Report135:26

it is astonishing to me that they think this is persuasive because every time you invoke swine flu all you do is remind people that obama and biden handled that more competently

Outbreak in the White House | Episode 261 (October 9, 2020)

More examples

She offered persuasive evidence.
His explanation was highly persuasive.
The letter made a persuasive case.

Forms

persuasive

persuade verb — convince someone to believe or act

Similar words

convincing: Emphasizes making something seem true or credible.
compelling: Suggests unusually strong force or appeal.