persuasive

[ per-swey-siv, -ziv ]

adjective

1. able, fitted, or intended to persuade:

   a very persuasive argument.

   Synonyms: forceful, compelling, convincing

noun

1. something that persuades; inducement.

persuasive

/ pəˈsweɪsɪv /

adjective

1. having the power or ability to persuade; tending to persuade

   a persuasive salesman

Derived Forms

• perˈsuasively, adverb
• perˈsuasiveness, noun

Other Words From

• per·suasive·ly adverb
• per·suasive·ness noun
• nonper·suasive adjective
• nonper·suasive·ly adverb
• nonper·suasive·ness noun
• preper·suasive adjective
• unper·suasive adjective
• unper·suasive·ly adverb
• unper·suasive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of persuasive¹

First recorded in 1580–90, persuasive is from the Medieval Latin word persuāsīvus. See persuasible, -ive

Example Sentences

Making this type of fake persuasive was the task of Ryan Laney, a visual effects artist who worked on the 2020 HBO documentary Welcome to Chechnya.

From MIT Technology Review

Importantly, this was because it had not been able to provide “exceedingly persuasive justification” for making distinctions on the basis of sex.

From No Straight News

It is political speech, at times persuasive, at times not, that is made all the more common by weak democratic institutions.

From Vox

You can hear how both pulled all the stops to try and be persuasive using everything from homemade cupcakes to bottles of vodka.

From Search Engine Land

The second is offering additional information, conveying a secondary message that is persuasive.

From Search Engine Watch

The economic argument for the royals might be persuasive: They bring tourism to Britain.

From The Daily Beast

The argument is boilerplate Al Qaeda, but many people in developing countries, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, find it persuasive.

From The Daily Beast

As it does, the sinister interpretations of what happened in the cockpit of the Boeing 777 become less persuasive.

From The Daily Beast

Malaysian leaders have turned the airmen into scapegoats without a single persuasive fact.

From The Daily Beast

Some studies even suggest that low mood can improve skill in persuasive argument and sharpen memory.

From The Daily Beast

These committees within the various colonies became very active and persuasive.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a persuasive smile on his lips and in his keen eyes which the monk, almost unconsciously, obeyed.

From Project Gutenberg

It is then that human speech, losing in a measure its terrestrial nature, becomes persuasive and convincing.

From Project Gutenberg

His persuasive powers of appeal, and his straight, direct way of argument, commended him to his comrades.

From Project Gutenberg

A better weapon than his waspish tongue was Parpon's voice, for it, before all, was persuasive.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• alluring
• cogent
• compelling
• conclusive
• convincing
• credible
• effective
• eloquent
• energetic
• forceful
• impressive
• influential
• inspiring
• logical
• plausible
• potent
• powerful
• valid