Prevail on Meaning in English
expression
pɹiˈveɪɫ/, /pɹɪˈveɪɫ/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
pri-VAYL on
pɹɪvˈeɪl/ /ˈɒn
priv-AYL on
Definition
To successfully persuade or convince someone to do something they may not want to do at first.
Usage & Nuances
'Prevail on' is somewhat formal or literary. Common in written and careful speech. It always means to persuade, usually after some effort. Don't confuse with 'prevail over' (to defeat). Often used with 'someone' + 'to' + verb: 'prevail on him to stay'.
Spanish: persuadir - convencerPortuguese (BR): convencer - persuadirPortuguese (PT): convencer - persuadirChinese (Simplified): 说服 - 劝说Chinese (Traditional): 說服 - 勸說Hindi: मना लेना - राज़ी कर लेनाArabic: إقناع - التأثير علىBengali: সম্মত করানো - রাজি করানোRussian: убедить - уговоритьJapanese: 説得する - 納得させるVietnamese: thuyết phụcKorean: 설득하다Turkish: ikna etmek - razı etmekUrdu: راضی کرنا - قائل کرناIndonesian: membujuk - meyakinkan
Example Sentences
She managed to prevail on her friend to join the club.
basic
It was hard to prevail on him to apologize.
basic
They tried to prevail on their parents to let them stay out late.
basic
After a lot of effort, I finally prevailed on him to see a doctor.
natural
You won’t be able to prevail on her unless you give her a good reason.
natural
I had to prevail on my boss to give me a few days off.
natural