Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Suasion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

suasion

[sweษชส’ษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

power of persuasion

Suasion refers to the act of persuading someone to do something or to change their mind. It is often used in a context where convincing someone is crucial, whether in personal relationships, politics, or advertising. Unlike coercion, suasion is about winning someone over through logical argument, emotional appeal, or ethical considerations. Suasion can take many forms, including discussion, negotiation, and other forms of communication that aim to influence behavior or beliefs.

Synonyms

coaxing, convincing, influence, persuasion.

Examples of usage

  • The campaign employed suasion to gain public support.
  • Effective suasion can change hearts and minds.
  • Marketers rely on suasion techniques to boost sales.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical debates, suasion is often discussed regarding ethics and moral reasoning.
  • Rhetorical techniques in suasion have been studied since ancient times, with Aristotleโ€™s 'Rhetoric' focusing on how to convince audiences.
  • Persuasion can be seen as a means of achieving consensus or understanding in dialogical contexts.

Psychology

  • Various psychological principles, such as cognitive dissonance, help explain how suasion can change behaviors or beliefs.
  • Factors like emotions, authority, and social proof heavily influence the effectiveness of suasion.
  • Research in social psychology explores the dynamics of group influence and how individual opinions can shift.

Communication

  • Effective suasion typically employs clear messaging and an understanding of the audience's values and beliefs.
  • Techniques used in suasion include storytelling and emotional appeals, which are powerful tools in communication.
  • In advertising, suasion is key; marketers use it to not just inform but to convince consumers to buy products.

Political Science

  • Policymakers and politicians often rely on suasion to rally support for initiatives or bills.
  • Campaigns are designed around strategic suasion to engage voters and build a following.
  • Rhetoric in political speeches employs various methods of suasion to influence public opinion and behavior.

Origin of 'suasion'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'suasio', meaning 'to urge or persuade'.
  • Related words like 'persuade' and 'dissuade' also originate from the same root, emphasizing their close meanings.
  • The suffix '-sion' often indicates a process or condition, hence 'suasion' refers to the process of convincing.

The word 'suasion' derives from the Latin term 'suasio', which means 'an act of persuading'. This term is rooted in 'suadere', meaning 'to advise or urge'. The use of suasion gained prominence in the English language around the late 19th century, primarily in contexts involving rhetoric, law, and social sciences. It differs from direct persuasion in that it often suggests a more subtle or indirect approach to influencing thoughts and actions. Historically, the concept of suasion has been essential in the development of effective communication strategies, whether in political discourse, marketing, or interpersonal relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,046 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.