persuade
UK[pəˈsweɪd]US[pərˈsweɪd]
v
to cause someone to do or believe something by giving them a good reason or arguing with them
v
to make someone agree to do something by talking to them for a long time
Morpheme Breakdown
per
suade
per
thoroughly
suade
advise
Etymology
the word 'persuade' entered english in the late 15th century from latin 'persuadēre', meaning 'to bring over by talking'. it is a compound of the intensive prefix 'per-' (thoroughly) and the verb 'suadēre' (to advise, urge). the latin 'suadēre' itself is traced to the proto-indo-european root swād-, which conveyed pleasantness or sweetness, linking the idea of giving agreeable advice. thus, the etymological logic flows from the ancient sense of 'making something sweet or agreeable' to the thorough act of urging someone through reasoned argument, culminating in the modern meaning of convincing someone to believe or act.
Analysis
Structure: per (thoroughly) + suade (advise)
per- (latin prefix, meaning 'through, thoroughly'); suade (from latin root 'suadēre', meaning 'to advise, urge')
Examples
i tried to persuade him to join the committee.
the advertisement is designed to persuade consumers to buy the new product.
she was easily persuaded to change her mind after hearing the compelling evidence.