persuade
word
Definition
To make someone decide to do or believe something by giving reasons, arguments, or encouragement. It usually suggests changing a person's mind successfully.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns: 'persuade someone to do something' and 'persuade someone that...'. Stronger and more result-focused than 'encourage'; if you persuade someone, they usually agree in the end. In everyday speech, 'convince' is often more common, but 'persuade' is very natural and slightly more formal.
Example Sentences
She persuaded me to try the new restaurant.
basic
He could not persuade his brother that he was right.
basic
Good luck persuading her to change her mind.
natural
We finally persuaded them to stay for dinner.
basic
It didn't take much to persuade him once he saw the numbers.
natural
I'm not trying to persuade you—I'm just telling you what happened.
natural