Persuasion
/pəˈsweɪʒ(ə)n/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe act of persuading, or trying to do so; the addressing of arguments to someone with the intention of changing their mind or convincing them of a certain point of view, course of action etc.
nounAn argument or other statement intended to influence one's opinions or beliefs; a way of persuading someone.
Sentence Examples
Finally, he gave in to my persuasion.
Finally, he gave into my persuasion.
Crude persuasion is to persistently egg someone on.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her calm and logical ____ convinced the committee to change their decision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
After much ____, he finally agreed to join the team for the charity fundraising event.
Word Origin & History
From French persuasion and its source, Latin persuāsiō, from persuādēre, from suādēre (“to advise, recommend”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"With the base unleashed, the White House was unable to broker a compromise, either by persuasion or by pressure."
— 2006, Rachel Morris, “Borderline Catastrophe”, in Washington Monthly, vol. 38:10:
"Not Hermes Prolocutor to the Gods,
Could vſe perſwaſions more pathetical."
— c. 1587–1588 (date written), [Christopher Marlowe], Tamburlaine the Great. […] The First Part […], 2nd edition, part 1, London: […] [R. Robinson for] Richard Iones, […], published 1592, →OCLC; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire; London: Scolar Press, 1973, →ISBN, Act I, scene ii:
"Sadie curses, weeps, then, infected by Mr. Hamilton's writhing persuasions, prays and becomes penitent."
— 1928 February 13, “The New Pictures”, in Time:
"Social understanding and equality can neither be nurtured through fear, nor intimidation. Surely this goes for people of all sexual persuasions."
— 2010 February 6, “We don't need gay stereotypes”, in The Guardian:
"1871 February 14, J.J., "More Solution", Latter-Day Saints Millennial Star, page 105.
Let us pray that the next generation be all of the male persuasion."
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Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her calm and logical ____ convinced the committee to change their decision.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
After much ____, he finally agreed to join the team for the charity fundraising event.