persuasion

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   The act of persuading, or trying to do so; the addressing of arguments to someone with the intention of changing their mind or convincing them of a certain point of view, course of action etc.

   With the base unleashed, the White House was unable to broker a compromise, either by persuasion or by pressure.

2. 2
   noun

   An argument or other statement intended to influence one's opinions or beliefs; a way of persuading someone.

   Not Hermes Prolocutor to the Gods, Could vſe perſwaſions more pathetical.

3. 3
   noun

   A strongly held conviction, opinion or belief.

   It is his persuasion that abortion should never be condoned.

4. 4
   noun

   A specified religious adherence, a creed; any school of thought or ideology.

   As a convert from the Baptist persuasion more than 40 years ago, I still feel like an outsider in the church despite the kindness and acceptance of Catholic friends.

5. 5
   noun

   Another personal, animal or inanimate trait that is not (very) liable to be changed by persuasion, such as sex, gender, ethnicity, origin, profession or nature.

   1871 February 14, J.J., "More Solution", Latter-Day Saints Millennial Star, page 105. Let us pray that the next generation be all of the male persuasion.

6. 6
   noun

   a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

7. 7
   noun

   the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade)

8. 8
   noun

   One's ability or power to influence someone's opinions or feelings; persuasiveness.

Etymology

From French persuasion and its source, Latin persuāsiō, from persuādēre, from suādēre (“to advise, recommend”).