persuasive
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of persuasive
First recorded in 1580–90, persuasive is from the Medieval Latin word persuāsīvus. See persuasible, -ive
Explanation
If you are persuasive, then you have a knack for getting people to do things. Your most persuasive friend might be able to talk you into riding in a hot air balloon despite your fear of heights. People can be persuasive by using emotion or logic. A persuasive encyclopedia salesman might lead you to believe you'll be a smarter person with your own complete set of reference books. Temptations can also be persuasive. If your mom offers you ten dollars to walk her dog, you might find her offer very persuasive. Persuasive can be tricky to spell — remember that the u sounds like a w.
Vocabulary lists containing persuasive
TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Persuasive speech seeks to convince audience members of something or influence their beliefs, values, or behavior.
From Textbooks • Dec. 21, 2021
Persuasive evidence suggests that the original SARS-CoV-2 likely arose in a bat, and there have been numerous cases of other wild and domesticated mammals contracting the virus.
From Scientific American • Dec. 3, 2021
Persuasive as it is, this rosy scenario would be even more convincing if economists could say exactly why interest rates are behaving as they are.
From Washington Post • Dec. 7, 2020
Many of the techniques they use are ones outlined by experts in human behavior, including Nir Eyal author of "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" and BJ Fogg of Stanford University's Persuasive Technology Lab.
From Salon • Jul. 28, 2018
Persuasive communication is no longer the preserve of professionals—be they politicians, broadcasters, or advertisers.
From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
