Prevail upon: meaning, definitions and examples

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prevail upon

 

[ prɪˈveɪl əˈpɒn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

persuade

To successfully persuade someone to do something, typically through reasoning or argument.

Synonyms

convince, influence, persuade, urge.

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Word Description / Examples
prevail upon

This phrase is used when you want to achieve something by urging or persistent argument, often implying some effort or struggle.

  • He eventually prevailed upon his friend to invest in the startup.
  • She prevailed upon him to reconsider his decision.
persuade

This word is used when you want to get someone to do something or change their mind by giving them reasons or arguing.

  • I managed to persuade him to join the team.
  • She tried to persuade her parents to let her go to the concert.
convince

This word is used when you want to make someone believe or accept something as true through evidence or argument.

  • She managed to convince the board of her plan's feasibility.
  • I'm trying to convince him that this decision is for the best.
influence

This word is used when you want to affect someone’s thoughts, behavior, or feelings indirectly or subtly.

  • Her positive attitude influenced everyone in the office.
  • The movie deeply influenced his views on social justice.
urge

This word is used when you strongly recommend or encourage someone to do something. It can have a sense of urgency.

  • Doctors urge patients to quit smoking.
  • I urge you to take immediate action.

Examples of usage

  • He prevailed upon his friend to lend him some money.
  • I hope you can prevail upon him to change his mind.
  • She finally prevailed upon her parents to let her go on the trip.

Translations

Translations of the word "prevail upon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 persuadir

🇮🇳 मनाना

🇩🇪 überreden

🇮🇩 membujuk

🇺🇦 переконати

🇵🇱 nakłonić

🇯🇵 説得する

🇫🇷 persuader

🇪🇸 persuadir

🇹🇷 ikna etmek

🇰🇷 설득하다

🇸🇦 إقناع

🇨🇿 přesvědčit

🇸🇰 presvedčiť

🇨🇳 劝说

🇸🇮 prepričati

🇮🇸 sannfæra

🇰🇿 сендіру

🇬🇪 დარწმუნება

🇦🇿 inandırmaq

🇲🇽 persuadir

Etymology

The term 'prevail upon' originated in the 16th century, combining 'prevail' meaning 'to prove more powerful than opposing forces' and 'upon' indicating influence or action. Over time, it has evolved to signify the act of successfully persuading someone to do something through reasoning or argument.