WordValepersuasive
good at convincing others
In more detail
1. (adjective) able to convince someone that something is true or that they should do something
2. (adjective) giving good reasons or evidence that makes people believe or agree with you
Examples
- 1. She gave a persuasive speech that convinced the audience to support the project.
- 2. The lawyer presented persuasive arguments backed by strong evidence.
How to use persuasive
Persuasive describes something that has the power to convince or sway opinion through effective reasoning, evidence, or emotional appeal. It is used broadly across formal and informal contexts to evaluate arguments, writing, speakers, and communication strategies. The term is more neutral and broader than compelling, which often suggests stronger or more emotionally affecting power.
Common phrases
- persuasive argument
- persuasive evidence
- persuasive writing
- persuasive speech
- persuasive techniques
- highly persuasive
Synonyms
convincing · compelling · persuasory · cogent · influential
Opposites
unconvincing · unpersuasive
Word family
persuade · persuasion · persuasively · persuasiveness · persuasibility
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse persuasive with persuaded; persuasive describes the thing doing the convincing, while persuaded describes the person who has been convinced.
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