What does persuasion mean?
Persuasion is the act or process of convincing another person to accept an idea, change an opinion, or take a particular action. It can be achieved through clear reasoning, emotional appeal, rhetorical skill, personal authority, or a combination of these methods. The word may also describe a person's ability to influence others, as in someone with exceptional powers of persuasion. Less commonly, it refers to a conviction or belief that motivates a person or group. In everyday use, persuasion is generally neutral, but the term can imply calculated or persuasive rhetoric when the context is political, commercial, or contentious. It is especially useful when distinguishing influence by argument or appeal from coercion, force, or outright refusal.
The act or process of persuading someone to accept a belief, take an action, or change their opinion.
"The committee was won over by careful persuasion rather than pressure."
This is the most common modern sense.
The ability or power to persuade others.
"She combined warmth and authority to make herself a master of persuasion."
Often used in the phrase “a gift of persuasion” or “powers of persuasion.”
A particular conviction, belief, or set of principles held by a person or group.
"Members of the movement joined together out of a shared persuasion."
This sense is less common and is often formal or literary.
Used for individual instances or acts of persuasion, and for sets of beliefs or convictions.
"His gentle persuasions gradually changed the mood of the room."
Persuasion is the art of changing a mind without replacing it by force: the quiet power of a well-chosen reason.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does persuasion come from?
Persuasion comes through Old French persuasion from Latin persuasio, a noun derived from persuadere, meaning “to persuade.” The Latin root combines per- and suadere, related to suadere’s sense of advising or recommending. The same broad Latin root is reflected in persuasive, persuade, and suasion, while the opposite development appears in dissuade, meaning “to advise against.”
Related word forms
How persuasion is actually used
The word is neutral to mildly approving in most contexts, though it can suggest intentional influence. In discussions of rhetoric and politics, it often refers to the techniques and appeals used to shape opinion.
Easily confused with persuasion
Persuasion is the process of convincing someone, whereas perseverance is persistence in continuing an activity despite difficulty.
Persuasion seeks to convince someone to adopt a belief or take an action, while dissuasion seeks to discourage them from doing so.