Persuasiveness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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persuasiveness

[pษ™rหˆsweษชsษชvnษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in communication

The quality of being able to convince someone to believe or do something through reasoning or argument.

Synonyms

convincingness, influence, power of persuasion.

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Word Description / Examples
persuasiveness

Used when referring to the ability to convince others through reasoning or argumentation. It often suggests a positive and effective communication skill.

  • Her persuasiveness in the meeting helped secure the contract
convincingness

Refers to the quality of being able to make others believe that something is true or real. Often used in contexts where proof or evidence convinces someone.

  • The convincingness of his evidence swayed the jury in his favor
influence

Denotes the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. This word can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

  • His influence over his peers was undeniable
power of persuasion

Emphasizes the strength or efficacy of one's ability to persuade others. It can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • The politician's power of persuasion is unmatched during debates

Examples of usage

  • It was her persuasiveness that helped her win the debate.
  • His persuasiveness as a salesman was unmatched.
  • The success of the campaign was due to the persuasiveness of the messages.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Persuasiveness often relies on emotions; connecting with feelings can lead to more convincing arguments.
  • People are more likely to be persuaded if they feel a personal connection or trust towards the speaker.
  • The principle of reciprocity suggests that if someone does something for you, youโ€™re more likely to do something in return, thus enhancing persuasive ability.

Communication

  • Effective use of body language, such as eye contact and open gestures, increases persuasiveness.
  • Storytelling is a powerful tool; sharing personal stories can make a message more relatable and convincing.
  • Highlighting benefits can make an argument more persuasive, helping others see what's in it for them.

Marketing

  • Advertisements often use persuasive techniques like scarcity (limited-time offers) to motivate quick decisions.
  • Successful marketing campaigns frequently employ social proof, showing others using and loving a product to persuade new customers.
  • Testimonials from satisfied customers are a common strategy; they provide relatable proof that can convince potential buyers.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Wolf of Wall Street' showcase extreme forms of persuasiveness in high-stakes environments.
  • In literature, characters who are persuasive often drive the plot, influencing the decisions of others.
  • Famous public speakers, like Martin Luther King Jr., are remembered for their persuasive abilities that inspired social movements.

Origin of 'persuasiveness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'persuadere', which means 'to convince' or 'to advise'.
  • It combines 'per-' meaning 'through' and 'suadere', which translates as 'to urge' or 'to advise'.
  • First recorded use in English dates back to the late 14th century.

The word 'persuasiveness' originated from the verb 'persuade,' which comes from the Old French word 'persuader' and the Latin word 'persuadere,' meaning 'to convince.' The concept of persuasiveness has been studied in rhetoric and communication theory for centuries, with scholars exploring the techniques and strategies used to influence others through argumentation and reasoning.


See also: persuade, persuaded, persuading, persuasion, persuasive, persuasively, unpersuaded, unpersuasive.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,043, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.