dissuade

What does “dissuade” mean?

verb.to persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to decision-making, persuasion, or conflict. It emphasizes an active effort to change someone's mind or prevent an action, contrasting with similar terms like "advise," which suggests offering guidance without the same connotation of discouragement.

Common Confusions

Dissuade implies an active effort to prevent someone from taking action, while advise usually suggests offering guidance or recommendations without necessarily discouraging a particular choice.

Example Sentences

• The advisor tried to dissuade her from withdrawing from the program.

• Despite his parents' attempts to dissuade him from pursuing a risky venture, he remained steadfast in his determination to follow his dreams.

Word Parts: How to Remember “dissuade”

Break “dissuade” into its parts: di- (apart, away). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: di- apart, away (Latin)