What is persuade? Pronunciation and usage in English

persuade means . Learn how to pronounce and use persuade through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of persuade

persuadeverb

/pəˈsweɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of persuade

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "persuade." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "persuade" is divided into three syllables:

  • per - (like the word "per" as in pepper)
  • suade - (this is the trickiest part!)
  • -ade (a very short, unstressed sound – almost like "ah")

2. Phonetics (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /pərˈsuːdeɪ/

Let's break that down further:

  • /pər/ - "per" – as in "per hour"
  • /ˈsuːdeɪ/ - "su-day" – This is where a lot of people stumble.
    • /ˈsuː/ – The “su” sounds like “soo” but with a longer, more drawn-out "oo" sound. It’s not like the “su” in “sugar.” Think of the “oo” in "moon."
    • /deɪ/ – This is "day” - but with a short "ay" sound (like in "say").

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The second syllable ("suade") is the stressed syllable. You want to emphasize that syllable most.
  • The “su” sound: Really focus on lengthening the "oo" sound in "su." This is the biggest hurdle for many learners. Say “soo” and then hold that sound for a bit longer.
  • The "-ade" sound: It's very quick and light. Think of it as a short “ah” sound but almost silent. It’s blended into the "deɪ."

4. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it:

  • Google: Search for "how to pronounce persuade" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: (https://forvo.com/word/persuade/) - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for videos explaining how to pronounce it.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some similar-sounding words to practice?

Usage and examples with the word persuade in English

Let's break down how to use the word "persuade" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Persuade means to cause someone to believe in something or do something through reasoning or argument. It's about convincing someone of your point of view.

2. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are some examples illustrating different ways to use "persuade":

  • Simple Convincing: “I tried to persuade my brother to go to the movies with me.” (I attempted to convince him.)
  • Using Arguments: “The lawyer skillfully persuaded the jury that his client was innocent.” (The lawyer used arguments to convince them.)
  • Enticing with Promises: “She persuaded him to invest in her new business by promising high returns.” (She used promises to convince him.)
  • Overcoming Resistance: “It took a lot of effort to persuade her to change her mind.” (It was difficult to convince her.)
  • Suggesting an Action: “He persuaded me to try the new restaurant – it’s amazing!” (He suggested and convinced me to try it.)
  • More Formal: “The politician worked tirelessly to persuade voters to support his campaign.”

3. Key Phrases & Related Words:

  • Persuade someone to do something: (e.g., “I persuaded him to help me with the project.”)
  • Persuade someone that...: (e.g., “I persuaded her that it was a bad idea.”)
  • Persuasion: (The act of persuading – “His persuasion skills were impressive.”)
  • Convince: Similar to persuade, but often implies a stronger level of certainty. (e.g., “I tried to convince him it was raining, but he wouldn't believe me.”) While often interchangeable, "persuade" can sometimes be a little softer than "convince."
  • Influence: A broader term that means to have an effect on someone’s behavior or beliefs. (e.g., "Advertising can influence consumer choices.”)

4. Important Nuances:

  • It's about trying: “Persuade” implies an attempt. You’re not guaranteeing success.
  • It’s often a process: Persuading someone can involve multiple conversations and arguments.
  • Ethical Considerations: Be careful about using persuasion to trick or manipulate someone. Genuine persuasion is based on presenting good reasons and evidence.

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Convince
  • Influence
  • Sway
  • Encourage
  • Urge
  • Advocate
  • Impress

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, a casual conversation?)
  • Do you want examples of using "persuade" in a specific situation? (e.g., persuading a child, persuading a boss, persuading a friend?)

Synonyms for the word persuade

Practice with vocabulary persuade

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sales team worked tirelessly to ________ the reluctant client that their new software solution was the best option.
  2. During the quarterly review, the CEO sought to ________ his points with compelling market data.
  3. Despite initial hesitations, the project manager managed to ________ her team member to take on the challenging new assignment.
  4. Before implementing the new workflow, the department head needed to ________ all staff members about the updated procedures.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The committee members tried to ________ the board that their proposed budget cuts were necessary for long-term sustainability. A) deter B) coerce C) persuade D) admonish E) convince

  2. Her eloquent speech was designed to ________ the audience to donate generously to the charity. A) compel B) implore C) influence D) persuade E) obligate

  3. After hours of negotiation, they finally managed to ________ the investor to back their startup, securing vital funding. A) demand B) persuade C) argue D) dissuade E) sway

  4. The manager had to ________ the new policy changes to the entire team, ensuring everyone understood their implications. A) dictate B) inform C) impose D) elucidate E) command

  5. Before making a final decision, it's crucial to ________ all available data and potential outcomes. A) disregard B) assess C) synthesize D) neglect E) scrutinize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: His compelling evidence led me to adopt a different perspective on the matter. Rewrite using "persuade" or a related word form: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  2. Original: The sales representative worked hard to get the client to sign the contract. Rewrite using "persuade" or a related word form: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

  3. Original: The principal got the parents to agree to the new school uniform policy. Rewrite (do not use "persuade", but use a suitable replacement word): ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. persuade
  2. reinforce
  3. persuade
  4. inform

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) persuade, E) convince
  2. C) influence, D) persuade
  3. B) persuade, E) sway
  4. B) inform, D) elucidate
  5. B) assess, C) synthesize, E) scrutinize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I was persuaded by his compelling evidence to adopt a different perspective on the matter.
  2. The sales representative worked hard to persuade the client to sign the contract.
  3. The principal secured the agreement of the parents to the new school uniform policy.

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