What does 'persuade' mean?

The word 'persuade' means to convince someone to believe or do something through reasoning or argumentation. When you persuade someone, you are effectively communicating in a way that influences their thoughts or decisions, often by providing valid points or appealing to their emotions. This process involves presenting information or arguments in a compelling manner to sway the listener's views or actions.

In contrast, the other choices do not capture the essence of persuasion. Observing is about watching or paying attention, which does not involve any element of influence. Ignoring means to pay no attention to something, which is the opposite of engaging someone’s reasoning. Arguing might involve a discussion or conflict; however, it does not inherently entail the goal of convincing someone, as it could also lead to disagreement without the intent to persuade. Therefore, the definition of 'persuade' aligns most closely with the notion of convincing someone.