Convince and persuade are close in meaning, but they are not quite the same.
Convince usually means making someone believe something is true, valid, or reasonable. The focus is on belief or understanding. For example: The evidence convinced the jury that he was telling the truth.
Persuade usually means getting someone to do something, agree to something, or choose a course of action. It can involve logic, emotion, or both. For example: She persuaded her brother to speak to the manager.
A useful shortcut is this: you are often convinced of something, but persuaded to do something.
- Convince: changes a view, opinion, or belief.
- Persuade: influences a decision or action.
- Sometimes the words overlap in casual use, but this contrast keeps your meaning clear.
If you mean proof, reasoning, or certainty, convince is usually the better choice. If you mean urging someone toward a choice or action, persuade is usually the better fit.
