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Inform vs Persuade - What's the difference?

inform | persuade |

In transitive terms the difference between inform and persuade

is that inform is to give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.) while persuade is to successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence. Compare sway.

As verbs the difference between inform and persuade

is that inform is to instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge) while persuade is to successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence. Compare sway.

As an adjective inform

is without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.

inform

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) informen, enformen, from (etyl) enformer, .

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Verb

(en verb)
  • (archaic) To instruct, train (usually in matters of knowledge).
  • To communicate knowledge to.
  • * Spenser
  • For he would learn their business secretly, / And then inform his master hastily.
  • * Shakespeare
  • I am informed thoroughly of the cause.
  • To impart information or knowledge.
  • To act as an informer; denounce.
  • To give form or character to; to inspire (with a given quality); to affect, influence (with a pervading principle, idea etc.).
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-07, author=(Gary Younge)
  • , volume=188, issue=26, page=18, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= Hypocrisy lies at heart of Manning prosecution , passage=WikiLeaks did not cause these uprisings but it certainly informed them. The dispatches revealed details of corruption and kleptocracy that many Tunisians suspected, but could not prove, and would cite as they took to the streets.}}
  • * Dryden
  • Let others better mould the running mass / Of metals, and inform the breathing brass.
  • * Prior
  • Breath informs this fleeting frame.
  • (obsolete) To make known, wisely and/or knowledgeably.
  • (obsolete) To direct, guide.
  • (archaic) To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear.
  • * Shakespeare
  • It is the bloody business which informs / Thus to mine eyes.
    Synonyms
    * acquaint, apprise, notify * (act as informer) dob, name names, peach, snitch
    Derived terms
    * informant * information * informative * informatory * informed * informer * misinform * uninformed

    Etymology 2

    (etyl) (lena) informis

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed.
  • (Cotton)

    Anagrams

    *

    persuade

    English

    Alternative forms

    * perswade (obsolete)

    Verb

    (persuad)
  • To successfully convince (someone) to agree to, accept, or do something, usually through reasoning and verbal influence. Compare sway.
  • That salesman was able to persuade me into buying this bottle of lotion.
  • * (William Shakespeare) (c.1564–1616)
  • We will persuade him, be it possible.
  • *
  • The boy became volubly friendly and bubbling over with unexpected humour and high spirits. He tried to persuade Cicely to stay away from the ball-room for a fourth dance. Nobody would miss them, he explained.
  • * {{quote-news, year=2011, date=November 10, author=Jeremy Wilson, work=Telegraph
  • , title= England Under 21 5 Iceland Under 21 0: match report , passage=The most persistent tormentor was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a hat-trick in last month’s corresponding fixture in Iceland. His ability to run at defences is instantly striking, but it is his clever use of possession that has persuaded some shrewd judges that he is an even better prospect than Theo Walcott.}}
  • To urge, plead; to try to convince (someone to do something).
  • * (Bible), 2 (w) xviii. 32
  • Hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you.
  • * 1834 , (w), A Narrative of the Life of , Nebraska 1987, p. 34:
  • He persuaded me to go home, but I refused.
  • (obsolete) To convince of by argument, or by reasons offered or suggested from reflection, etc.; to cause to believe.
  • * (Bible), (w) vi. 9
  • Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you.

    Synonyms

    * convince

    Antonyms

    * dissuade

    Derived terms

    * persuasion * persuasive