persuasive
per-SWAY-siv
/pərˈsweɪsɪv/
Good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or temptation.
Focuses on the outcome—the ability to sway minds—whether through pure logic, emotion, or charm.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'persuadere', from 'per-' (thoroughly) and 'suadere' (to urge or advise). Something persuasive urges your mind thoroughly until you SWAY.
Word relationships
- cogent: Cogent relies specifically on logic, whereas persuasive covers emotional sway too.
- eloquent: Eloquent focuses on verbal artistry, whereas persuasive focuses on swaying opinion.
- unpersuasive: Not convincing or effective in altering opinion.
Commonly confused with
- dissuasive: Dissuasive seeks to advise or deter someone from taking an action.
Word family
- persuade (verb): To convince someone through argument or reasoning.
- persuasion (noun): The act of persuading or being persuaded.
Collocations
- persuasive evidence
- persuasive argument
- persuasive speaker
- highly persuasive
Example sentences
- "The sales pitch was so persuasive that customers pre-ordered the device immediately." Marketing pitch
- "She delivered a persuasive argument that shifted the jury's verdict." Debate contest
Memory hook
A PERSUASIVE argument SWAYS you to change your mind. Swaying opinions with compelling points.
When not to use
Avoid if the communication merely informs without attempting to change opinions.
Fun facts
- 'Suave' comes from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'sweet'.
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