persuasive
UK[pəˈsweɪsɪv]US[pərˈsweɪsɪv]
adj
good at persuading someone to do or believe something through reasoning or the use of temptation.
adj
providing sound reasoning or argument.
Morpheme Breakdown
per
suas
ive
per
thoroughly
suas
advise, urge
ive
adjective-forming suffix
Etymology
the word persuasive originates from latin persuasivus, which itself is derived from the verb persuadēre, meaning "to convince thoroughly". this verb is a compound of the intensive prefix per- ("through, thoroughly") and suadēre ("to advise, urge"). the core notion is of urging an idea so effectively that it leads someone to a firm belief or a course of action. the suffix -ivus was added to form the adjective, describing something or someone possessing this convincing quality. thus, the literal sense of "thoroughly urging" evolved into the modern abstract meaning of being effective in argument or inducement.
Analysis
Structure: per (thoroughly) + suas (advise, urge) + ive (adjective-forming suffix)
per: latin origin, meaning "through, thoroughly". serves as an intensive prefix.
suas: from latin suadēre, meaning "to advise, urge, recommend". it is the verb root.
ive: from latin -ivus, an adjective-forming suffix meaning "tending to, having the nature of".
Examples
she presented a persuasive argument that changed many minds on the committee.
his persuasive skills made him an excellent salesperson.
the documentary was persuasive in its depiction of the environmental crisis.