persuader: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal to informal, with a slight leaning towards formal or literary contexts. In informal contexts, often used with ironic or humorous undertones.
Quick answer
What does “persuader” mean?
A person or thing that causes someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or thing that causes someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument.
Can also refer to a tool, tactic, or incentive used to influence behavior or opinion, sometimes euphemistically referring to coercion or threats.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The informal/jocular use for a tool of coercion (e.g., a large stick) is slightly more common in British narratives.
Connotations
In both varieties, can range from neutral (a skilled negotiator) to negative (a manipulator). The humorous 'coercive tool' sense is well-understood in both.
Frequency
More frequent in written English (political commentary, business analysis, literature) than in everyday spoken language.
Grammar
How to Use “persuader” in a Sentence
persuader of + [group/action]persuader in + [field/debate]persuader for + [cause/company]persuader with + [tool/quality]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “persuader” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was hired to persuader the local council into granting planning permission.
- The advert is designed to persuader consumers of the product's benefits.
American English
- She was brought in to persuader the board to approve the merger.
- The lobbyist's job is to persuader legislators on key votes.
adverb
British English
- He argued most persuader for a change in strategy.
- She spoke persuader enough to win over the sceptics.
American English
- The case was put forward very persuader by the defence attorney.
- He writes persuader on the topic of economic reform.
adjective
British English
- The CEO gave a highly persuader speech to the anxious shareholders.
- They lacked a persuader argument for the proposed budget cuts.
American English
- He hasn't found a persuader reason for them to relocate just yet.
- The report's conclusions were not particularly persuader.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a key individual or factor (like a bonus) that secures deals or changes minds.
Academic
Used in rhetoric, communication studies, and political science to denote an agent of influence.
Everyday
Often used humorously: 'I had to use my final persuader—the promise of pizza—to get them to tidy up.'
Technical
In marketing, a 'persuader' can be a specific message or design element intended to drive conversion.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “persuader”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “persuader”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “persuader”
- Using 'persuader' to mean the act of persuasion itself (noun: 'persuasion').
- Confusing 'persuader' (agent) with 'persuasive' (adjective).
- Overusing in neutral contexts where 'influencer' or 'advocate' is more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is not among the most common words. It's more frequent in analytical, political, or literary contexts than in casual conversation, where 'someone who persuades' is often used instead.
Yes. While neutral, it often implies determined, even aggressive, effort to change someone's mind. In contexts like 'used a persuader', it can be a euphemism for a threat or coercion.
A 'persuader' implies a direct, active attempt to change a specific opinion or action through argument or pressure. An 'influencer' has a broader scope, affecting trends, behaviour, or opinions often indirectly (e.g., social media influencer) or through status.
No, it's non-standard. The standard verb is 'to persuade'. 'Persuader' is solely a noun. The example sentences showing verb use are illustrative of a common learner mistake.
A person or thing that causes someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument.
Persuader is usually formal to informal, with a slight leaning towards formal or literary contexts. in informal contexts, often used with ironic or humorous undertones. in register.
Persuader: in British English it is pronounced /pəˈsweɪdə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /pərˈsweɪdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The carrot and the stick: the persuader and the enforcer.”
- “To turn persuader (archaic: to take on the role of convincing someone).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SWEET AD (sweet advert) that PERSUADES you to buy something. PER-SUAD-ER.
Conceptual Metaphor
INFLUENCE IS A FORCE APPLIED BY AN AGENT (The persuader pushed the committee to a decision). ARGUMENT IS WAR (He was the chief persuader in the campaign to win hearts and minds).
Practice
Quiz
In a light-hearted or ironic context, a 'persuader' might refer to: