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persuade

Pronunciation: /pəˈsweɪd/

Definition of persuade

[with object and infinitive]

induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument:it wasn’t easy, but I persuaded him to do the right thing
[with object] cause (someone) to believe something, especially after a sustained effort; convince:health boards were finally persuaded of the desirability of psychiatric units [with object and clause]:he did everything he could to persuade the police that he was the robber
(of a situation or event) provide a sound reason for (someone) to do something:the cost of the manor’s restoration persuaded them to take in guests

Derivatives

late 15th century: from Latin persuadere, from per- 'through, to completion' + suadere 'advise'

For a discussion of the difference between persuade and convince, see convince (usage).

Definition of persuade in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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