Cool MatePersuade
UK //pəˈsweɪd//US //pərˈsweɪd//
Definition
To cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument.
In simple words: To convince someone to do or believe something.
Examples
- She was able to persuade him to join the team.
- He tried to persuade his friends to see the new movie.
- The advertisement aims to persuade customers to buy the product.
- Can you persuade her to attend the meeting?
- They persuaded the committee to fund the project.
Usage notes
Use in both formal and informal contexts when trying to influence someone's thinking or actions. Avoid when discussing forced actions.
Grammar pattern
persuade + object + to + verb
Memory hint
Think of 'persuade' as 'per' meaning through and 'suade' meaning to encourage.
Collocations
- persuade someone
- persuade to do something
- easily persuade
- persuade against
- attempt to persuade
Synonyms
- convince
- influence
- sway
- prompt
- encourage
Antonyms
- dissuade
- discourage
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'convince'; 'persuade' implies a suggestion while 'convince' implies certainty.
- Using 'persuade' without an object; it always needs someone to persuade.
- Mixing the prepositions; the correct structure is 'persuade someone to do something'.