Convince vs. Persuade — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Convince" involves getting someone to believe something through reasoning or evidence, while "persuade" involves influencing someone's decision or action, often appealing to emotions.
Difference Between Convince and Persuade
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To convince someone typically means to cause them to accept the truth or validity of an argument through logical reasoning, factual evidence, or both. Conversely, to persuade someone often involves motivating them to take a specific action or adopt a new behavior, which can include emotional appeals, incentives, or other persuasive techniques.
Convincing is usually about changing someone’s mind or belief system by addressing the intellect. For example, a scientist might convince others of a theory by presenting empirical data. On the other hand, persuading often targets both the emotions and rationality, like a salesperson persuading a customer to purchase a product by highlighting its benefits and creating an emotional desire.
The outcome of convincing someone is acceptance and agreement with an idea or concept. In contrast, the result of persuasion is often a decision to act, which might include a commitment, purchase, or change in behavior.
In a legal context, a lawyer aims to convince the judge or jury of their client's position using evidence and legal arguments. However, a politician seeks to persuade voters to support them in an election not just with facts, but by appealing to their values, fears, and hopes.
While convincing might require a detailed explanation and evidence to overcome skepticism, persuasion might employ storytelling, vivid language, or personal anecdotes to connect on a more emotional level, thereby encouraging action.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Beliefs and acceptance of ideas
Actions and decisions
Techniques
Logical reasoning, evidence
Emotional appeals, incentives
Outcome
Change in belief or understanding
Change in behavior or commitment
Common Contexts
Academic debates, scientific discussions
Marketing, sales, political campaigns
Appeals to
Intellect
Emotions and intellect
Compare with Definitions
Convince
Seeks to overcome doubts and skepticism.
He convinced his skeptical friend to join the project by citing proven results.
Persuade
Aimed at influencing actions or decisions.
The activist persuaded the community to support the cause with impassioned speeches.
Convince
Aimed at understanding and agreement.
She convinced her team that the strategy would work by presenting case studies.
Persuade
Encourages commitment or change in behavior.
The coach persuaded the team to adopt a new strategy by highlighting its past success.
Convince
Relies on logical argumentation and evidence.
The lawyer convinced the jury with clear evidence and logical reasoning.
Persuade
Often involves emotional appeals alongside facts.
The advertisement persuaded many to buy the product by evoking a sense of belonging.
Convince
Often involves a process of explanation and proof.
Scientists must convince the community of their findings through rigorous testing.
Persuade
To induce someone to do something through reasoning or argument.
She persuaded him to attend the event by explaining its networking opportunities.
Convince
To cause someone to believe or accept something as true.
He convinced his parents of the safety of the trip by showing them the positive reviews.
Persuade
Induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument
It wasn't easy, but I persuaded him to do the right thing
Convince
To cause (someone) by the use of argument or evidence to believe something or to take a course of action.
Persuade
To cause (someone) to accept a point of view or to undertake a course of action by means of argument, reasoning, or entreaty
"to make children fit to live in a society by persuading them to learn and accept its codes" (Alan W. Watts). See Usage Note at convince.
Convince
To prove to be wrong or guilty.
Persuade
(transitive) To successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence.
That salesman was able to persuade me into buying this bottle of lotion.
Convince
To conquer; overpower.
Persuade
To convince of by argument, or by reasons offered or suggested from reflection, etc.; to cause to believe (something).
Convince
To make someone believe, or feel sure about something, especially by using logic, argument or evidence.
I wouldn't have or do something, unless I'm convinced that it's good.
Persuade
To urge, plead; to try to convince (someone to do something).
Convince
To persuade.
Persuade
To influence or gain over by argument, advice, entreaty, expostulation, etc.; to draw or incline to a determination by presenting sufficient motives.
Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
We will persuade him, be it possible.
Convince
To overcome, conquer, vanquish.
Persuade
To try to influence.
Hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you.
Convince
To confute; to prove wrong.
Persuade
To convince by argument, or by reasons offered or suggested from reflection, etc.; to cause to believe.
Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you.
Convince
To prove guilty; to convict.
Persuade
To inculcate by argument or expostulation; to advise; to recommend.
Convince
To overpower; to overcome; to subdue or master.
His two chamberlainsWill I with wine and wassail so convinceThat memory, the warder of the brain,Shall be a fume.
Persuade
To use persuasion; to plead; to prevail by persuasion.
Convince
To overcome by argument; to force to yield assent to truth; to satisfy by proof.
Such convincing proofs and assurances of it as might enable them to convince others.
Persuade
Persuasion.
Convince
To confute; to prove the fallacy of.
God never wrought miracle to convince atheism, because his ordinary works convince it.
Persuade
Win approval or support for;
Carry all before one
His speech did not sway the voters
Convince
To prove guilty; to convict.
Which of you convinceth me of sin?
Seek not to convince me of a crimeWhich I can ne'er repent, nor you can pardon.
Persuade
Cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of action; twist somebody's arm;
You can't persuade me to buy this ugly vase!
Convince
Make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something;
He had finally convinced several customers of the advantages of his product
Persuade
Can involve various methods including rewards or persuasion.
Parents often persuade their children to eat vegetables by promising dessert.
Common Curiosities
Why is emotional appeal more related to persuasion?
Emotional appeal connects on a personal level, making it more effective in driving decisions and actions.
Can you use both convincing and persuading in a single argument?
Yes, effective communicators often blend both to ensure intellectual agreement and motivate action.
How do advertisers use both convincing and persuading techniques?
Advertisers use facts and data to convince consumers of product benefits and emotional narratives to persuade them to purchase.
What skills are important for convincing others?
Skills like logical reasoning, clarity in communication, and presenting factual evidence are crucial.
Is convincing always necessary for persuading?
Not always; persuasion can sometimes rely solely on emotional appeal, especially in decisions that are more subjective or personal.
What is the main difference between convince and persuade?
Convincing is about getting someone to believe in an idea through logical reasoning, while persuading is about motivating someone to take a specific action, often through emotional appeals.
Can convince and persuade be used in business contexts?
Absolutely, businesses use both to influence customers, stakeholders, and employees, but the approach may vary based on the desired outcome.
Can someone be convinced but still skeptical?
Yes, convincing someone doesn't guarantee complete acceptance; skepticism may persist until they're fully persuaded.
Do convince and persuade have different linguistic roots?
Yes, "convince" originates from Latin "con-" (with) and "vincere" (to conquer), while "persuade" comes from Latin "per-" (thoroughly) and "suadere" (to urge).
Can convince and persuade be used in legal contexts?
Yes, lawyers use both to present arguments and influence judges or juries, aiming to convince them of their client's innocence or guilt and persuade them to make favorable decisions.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
