/ English Dictionary |
PERSUASIVE
Pronunciation (US): | (GB): |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Intended or having the power to induce action or belief
Example:
a persuasive argument
Classified under:
Similar:
coaxing; ingratiatory (pleasingly persuasive or intended to persuade)
cogent; telling; weighty (powerfully persuasive)
compelling (tending to persuade by forcefulness of argument)
glib; glib-tongued; smooth-tongued (artfully persuasive in speech)
Also:
convincing (causing one to believe the truth of something)
Antonym:
dissuasive (deterring from action)
Derivation:
persuade (cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action; twist somebody's arm)
persuade (win approval or support for)
persuasiveness (the power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty)
Context examples:
I shan't let anyone see you till you are done, and then we'll burst upon them like Cinderella and her godmother going to the ball, said Belle in her persuasive tone.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
He seemed to think it was worth the trouble, for he smiled to himself as if quite satisfied, pressed the plump hand gratefully, and said in his most persuasive tone, Will you try and find out?
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
There was a little quiver in Jo's voice, and thinking it a good omen, Laurie turned round, bringing all his persuasive powers to bear as he said, in the wheedlesome tone that had never been so dangerously wheedlesome before, Don't disappoint us, dear!
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)