ENGLISH
REFERENCE

persuasive

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //pɝˈsweɪsɪv// UK //pəswˈeɪsɪv// per·sua·sive

adj. good at making people believe or do something. You use this to describe someone who gives very strong reasons for their ideas.

adj. capable of convincing others through logical argument or emotional appeal. Often used to describe speakers, writers, or the evidence they present.


SIMPLE

She gave a very persuasive speech about climate change.

CONTEXTUAL

The lawyer presented a persuasive argument that convinced the jury of his client's innocence.

COMPLEX

Despite the lack of physical evidence, her persuasive narrative of the events was so internally consistent that it swayed the entire committee.

Antonyms
Origin

From Middle French persuasif, from Medieval Latin persuāsīvus, from Latin past participle stem of persuādēre + -īvus.

Usage

Commonly used both attributively before a noun and predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.

© 2026 English Reference