WordGarden.iopersuasive
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /pəswˈeɪsɪv/
US
- /pərˈsweɪsɪv/
Meanings
Adjective
good at convincing people to do or believe something
convincing enough to win belief or agreement
Beyond the definition
Imagine trying to convince your friend to see the movie you want to watch. You might list the great actors, describe the exciting plot, and explain why it is better than their choice. That is what this word is about. It describes someone or something that can make people believe an idea, agree with a point, or take action. It often works through clear reasons, strong examples, or an emotional pull.
It is not only used for big speeches; it can be quiet and subtle too. A clever advertisement may lead you toward a purchase. Politicians use this kind of language to win support. Even a child asking again and again for a cookie is trying to change someone's mind. You will often see it in debates, marketing, sales, and everyday conversations.
The word "persuasive" describes someone, language, or something else that has the power to convince people to believe, agree, or act. It is more than simply stating facts. It involves presenting ideas in a way that speaks to a person's reason, feelings, or values.
Think of a lawyer making a closing argument. They are not just listing evidence; they are trying to lead the jury to a certain conclusion. Or think of a speaker whose words make the audience trust them and accept their point of view. In both cases, the message has real power to change minds.
This quality can show up in many ways. Sometimes it comes from clear logic and strong evidence. Sometimes it comes from emotion, trust, or the way a message is delivered. A good salesperson, teacher, leader, or writer may be effective in this way because they know how to present ideas so that people listen and respond.
However, "persuasive" is not always positive. A message can be effective while still being unfair, misleading, or manipulative. Because of that, it is important to think about both the message itself and the methods used to make it convincing.
So whether you are writing an argument, studying an advertisement, giving a speech, or simply trying to get your point across, this word points to the ability to move other people through words, reasons, and emotional appeal.
Examples
- 1
Public speech
She gave a persuasive speech about protecting the river.
- 2
Weak explanation
I didn't find his explanation very persuasive.
- 3
Policy report
The report makes a persuasive case for changing the policy.
- Patternmake a persuasive case for + action/change
give strong reasons to support it
- 4
Influencing people
He can be very persuasive when he wants people to agree with him.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Evidence
The evidence is persuasive, but it is not enough to prove the theory.
- 6
Advertising tone
The ad was persuasive without being too pushy.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- unpersuasive
- ineffective
Used with (collocations)
- persuasive argument
- persuasive evidence
- persuasive speech
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- persuasiveadjective