What does persuasible mean?
Persuasible means able or willing to be persuaded by argument, reasoning, or influence. It describes a person who does not regard their own position as beyond challenge and who may reconsider an opinion when presented with sufficient evidence, a practical proposal, or a persuasive appeal. The word can carry a slightly positive connotation of openness and reasonableness, although in some contexts it may suggest that someone is too easily swayed by rhetoric or pressure. Persuasible is relatively uncommon and more formal than the everyday alternative persuadable. It is especially appropriate in discussions of negotiation, diplomacy, public speaking, education, and interpersonal influence, where the capacity to reconsider another person's views is central. The related word persuasibility names the quality of being open to persuasion.
adjectiveAble or willing to be persuaded by argument, reasoning, or influence.
- Able or willing to be persuaded by argument, reasoning, or influence.
"The negotiator remained calm and persuasible despite the mounting pressure."
"Even experienced negotiators can be persuasible when the evidence is persuasive."
"The diplomat was known for being patient, discreet, and persuasible in delicate negotiations."
A persuasible person has not surrendered their opinion; they have simply left room for a better argument.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does persuasible come from?
Persuasible entered English in the early 17th century, probably through French persuasible from Latin persuasibilis, meaning “able to be persuaded.” Its ultimate roots lie in the Latin verb persuadere, formed from per- and suadere, together conveying the idea of bringing someone over to an opinion by advice or reasoning. The same Latin foundation produced persuasive, persuasion, and persuader.
Related word forms
How persuasible is actually used
Persuasible is more formal and less common than persuadable. In modern English it generally suggests receptiveness to persuasion rather than an absence of fixed opinions.
Easily confused with persuasible
Both mean open to persuasion, but persuadable is the more common everyday term, while persuasible is more formal and less frequent.