suasion: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Low Frequency, Academic/Formal)Formal, Literary, Legal
Quick answer
What does “suasion” mean?
The act of persuading someone to do something, using gentle reasoning or advice rather than force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of persuading someone to do something, using gentle reasoning or advice rather than force.
The broader process or art of persuasion; the act of influencing through argument, encouragement, or appeal. Often used in legal or formal contexts to denote non-coercive influence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British legal and academic texts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries formal and slightly archaic connotations. Often found in the compound "moral suasion."
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday speech in both regions; primarily confined to formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “suasion” in a Sentence
the suasion of [person/group]through (sheer) suasionby means of suasionact of suasionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “suasion” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The verb is 'sua' or 'sue', but these are archaic and not used. The modern equivalent is 'persuade'.
American English
- The verb is 'sua' or 'sue', but these are archaic and not used. The modern equivalent is 'persuade'.
adverb
British English
- suasively (in a persuasive manner) - 'He argued suasively for reform.'
American English
- suasively (in a persuasive manner) - 'The lobbyist spoke suasively to the committee.'
adjective
British English
- suasive (formal - having the power to persuade)
- The letter was a suasory document designed to change policy.
American English
- suasive (formal - having the power to persuade)
- Her arguments were remarkably suasive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts like 'The central bank used moral suasion to guide lending practices.'
Academic
Used in political science, ethics, and law to discuss non-coercive forms of power and social control.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in legal and economic contexts for non-binding pressure or guidance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “suasion”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “suasion”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “suasion”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a suasion'). Incorrect: 'He gave me a suasion.' Correct: 'He used suasion.'
- Using it in informal contexts where 'persuasion' is expected.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially, yes, but it is a highly formal, often abstract noun. 'Persuasion' is far more common and can be used in all registers. 'Suasion' is almost exclusively found in formal, legal, or academic writing.
It is a fixed phrase meaning the attempt to influence behaviour through appeals to moral or ethical principles, rather than through laws, threats, or financial incentives. It's common in economics and politics.
No. The related verb 'sua' or 'sue' (meaning to persuade) is obsolete. The modern verb is 'persuade' or 'influence'.
No. It is a low-frequency, C2-level word. Learners should prioritise mastering 'persuasion' and understand 'suasion' as a formal synonym they may encounter in advanced texts.
The act of persuading someone to do something, using gentle reasoning or advice rather than force.
Suasion is usually formal, literary, legal in register.
Suasion: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsweɪʒ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsweɪʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “moral suasion (the use of moral argument to influence behavior)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUAde' someone (to persuade). SUAsion is the formal noun form of that act of persuasion.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSUASION IS A GENTLE FORCE (e.g., 'the gentle suasion of reason').
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts is the word 'suasion' LEAST likely to be appropriate?