释义 |
per·suade \pə(r)ˈswād\ verb (-ed/-ing/-s) Etymology: Latin persuadēre, from per-, prefix denoting completion + suadēre to advise, urge — more at per-, suasion transitive verb 1. : to induce by argument, entreaty, or expostulation into some mental position (as a determination, decision, conclusion, belief) : win over by an appeal to one's reason and feelings (as into doing or believing something) : bring (oneself or another) to belief, certainty, or conviction : argue into an opinion or procedure < he persuades his friend to study law > < persuaded us that we were wrong > < persuade yourself that you cannot fail > 2. : to use persuasion upon : plead with : urge < even now at my elbow, persuading me not to kill the duke — Shakespeare > 3. : to demonstrate or prove (something) to be true, credible, essential, commendable, or worthy (as of belief, adoption, practice) : bring about by argument and persuasion the doing, practicing, or believing of < hadst thou thy wits, and didst persuade revenge — Shakespeare > 4. : to obtain or get with difficulty (as by coaxing) < finally persuaded an answer out of him > intransitive verb 1. : to use or to prevail by persuasion : plead movingly or successfully — sometimes formerly used with with 2. : to become persuaded < he persuades easily > Synonyms: see induce |