convince and persuade

[Over the top]

What is the difference between convince and persuade?
Thank you

 

[RonBee]

What is the difference between convince and persuade?

Not much (if any).
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Convince | Define Convince at Dictionary.com
(Note defintion 2.)

Persuade | Define Persuade at Dictionary.com
(Note defintion 2.)

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There are some differences, particularly with usage. For example, I wouldn't say A test drive will persuade you that this car handles well. (Others may disagree.) Persuade applies more to argument, I think.

 

[5jj]

1. I convinced him that he should do it.
2. I persuaded her that she should do it.
3. I persuaded her to do it.
4. I convinced her to do it.

In all four sentences, 'he' did it.

in #2, for many speakers of BrE, 'he' believed that it was right to do it as a result of my arguments.

In #3 and #4 'he' did it, but did not necessarily believe that it was the right thing to do.

#1 is unacceptable to some speakers of English. Here convince is virtually a synonym of persuade.

p.s. I submitted my response a few seconds after Ron. I'll let mine stand.

 

[RonBee]

1. I convinced him that he should do it.
2. I persuaded her that she should do it.
3. I persuaded her to do it.
4. I convinced her to do it.

In all four sentences, 'he' did it.

I have to disagree with you (slightly). Any of those statements could have been made right after the conversation in question. In that case it would be more about the speaker's state of mind more than anything else. If, however, the statement was made after the action had been taken the speaker would be claiming partial responsibility.

 

[5jj]

I have to disagree with you (slightly). Any of those statements could have been made right after the conversation in question. In that case it would be more about the speaker's state of mind more than anything else. If, however, the statement was made after the action had been taken the speaker would be claiming partial responsibility.

You are right. I was thinking only of the situation I have underlined in your reply. Thanks for pointing that out.