induce

What does “induce” mean?

verb.to succeed in persuading or influencing (someone) to do something.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to persuasion, motivation, or behavioral influence, such as in psychology or social science passages. It emphasizes a deliberate effort to sway someone's actions or decisions, distinguishing it from mere encouragement or suggestion, which may lack the same degree of influence.

Common Confusions

Induce implies a strong and intentional influence to bring about a specific action, while encourage usually suggests a more general or supportive motivation without the same level of pressure to act.

Example Sentences

• His meditation induced a compromise.   Opium induces sleep.

• The promise of a hefty bonus was enough to induce many employees to work overtime during the crucial project deadline, despite their fatigue.

Word Parts: How to Remember “induce”

Break “induce” into its parts: in- (into) + -duc- (lead). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: in- into (Latin)
• Root: -duc- lead (Latin)