What does persuader mean?
A persuader is a person who succeeds in convincing others to accept a belief, support a position, or take a particular action. The word often suggests that the person is articulate, strategic, or influential, though it can also carry a mildly ironic tone when someone is described as more persuasive than truthful. In a second, less common sense, a persuader can be an argument or rhetorical device that moves an audience. The related verb form is rare and generally literary. Persuader is especially useful when the focus is on the agent of persuasion: the politician, lawyer, teacher, or friend who changes someone else's mind. It can also be used humorously for someone whose charm or negotiating ability opens doors, making the word useful in both serious discussion and informal commentary.
A person who persuades others to accept a belief, take an action, or support a position.
"The ambassador was a skilled persuader and soon won over the officials."
The word is normally neutral or positive, but it can be ironic when it implies excessive charm or rhetoric.
To persuade someone through argument, advice, or urging.
"She persuader him to remain calm."
This verb form is rare and is chiefly literary or archaic.
The plural is formed by adding -s and is used for people who persuade others.
"The strongest persuaders in the room were the ones who listened carefully."
Persuasion has roots in Latin per- ('thoroughly') and suadere ('to urge'): a persuader is someone who urges you thoroughly.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does persuader come from?
The English word belongs to the family of persuade, which came into Middle English through Old French from Latin persuadere. Latin persuadere was formed from per-, meaning 'thoroughly,' and suadere, meaning 'to urge' or 'advise.' The agent noun persuader was formed in English with the suffix -er and originally denoted a person who urges, advises, or persuades.
Related word forms
How persuader is actually used
As a noun, persuader is usually neutral or complimentary, but it can be used ironically to describe someone who relies on charm, rhetoric, or persistence rather than sound reasoning. The verb form is rare and largely archaic or literary.
Easily confused with persuader
A persuader is a person who persuades, while persuasion is the process or act of persuading.
A persuader is a person, whereas persuasive is an adjective describing someone or something able to persuade.