dissuaded

USAGE SUMMARY

"dissuaded" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to persuading someone not to do something. Example: She dissuaded him from taking the risky investment. Alternative expressions include "discouraged" and "prevented."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The election campaign being prepared by the Tories is compared by insiders to the party's effort in 1992, which dissuaded voters from gambling on an unconvincing Labour opposition.

The Guardian

He had a contract, and he would not be dissuaded.

The Guardian - Books

And it has not dissuaded O'Donnell from returning: last year, he admitted his initial application for bankruptcy in the high court was a "chastening experience"that had effectively ended his 30-year career.

The Guardian

He was photographed in Parliament Square "hefting a lump of rock" and had "crouched down in the doorway of the nearby supreme court and tried to set fire to a bundle of newspapers against the wooden doors" but was dissuaded and "scampered away".

The Guardian

Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, claimed other vulnerable countries would be dissuaded from asking for bail-outs because they would see that "the path taken by Greece with the IMF is not an easy one".

The Economist

What is increasingly hard to believe is that it can be dissuaded or prevented from getting the bomb by force.

The Economist

Some years ago, a friend bought a Burberry raincoat but his wife dissuaded him from wearing it.

The Economist

Indeed, Iran's leaders, reluctant belligerents, have shown that they want to be dissuaded from direct action by others putting pressure on the Taliban, possibly via Pakistan.

The Economist

In the specific case of Banco de Venezuela, he can use its extensive branch network to more efficiently distribute welfare payments and subsidies.But private companies, including banks, will be further dissuaded from making new investments or take other steps to strengthen themselves in tougher economic times.

The Economist

Predictions of nasty weather and impenetrable crowds seem to have dissuaded some would-be revelers.

The Economist

Others have been dissuaded from applying by hidebound teachers and careers advisers, who deter them from aspiring to such things.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dissuaded" when you want to emphasize that someone was successfully persuaded not to take a particular course of action. It implies a deliberate effort to change their mind through reason or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "discouraged" as a direct replacement for "dissuaded" in all contexts. "Discouraged" often implies a loss of motivation, while "dissuaded" specifically means someone was persuaded not to do something. Choose the word that best reflects the intention.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dissuaded" is as the past tense and past participle of the verb 'dissuade'. It indicates an action of persuading someone not to do something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct and common usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dissuaded" is a grammatically correct and widely used verb form indicating that someone has been persuaded not to do something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure it's used when active persuasion has changed someone's decision. While "discouraged" shares a similar meaning, "dissuaded" is more precise when highlighting persuasion as the key factor. Related terms include "deterred" and "prevented". Consider also the nuance of "talked out of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dissuaded from

Very close in meaning, but more formal.

deterred

Similar in meaning, but often implies preventing action through fear or doubt.

discouraged

Implies a loss of enthusiasm or confidence, leading someone to abandon an idea.

prevented

Focuses on stopping someone from doing something, often through direct intervention.

talked out of

Emphasizes the persuasive aspect of changing someone's mind.

persuaded against

Highlights the use of convincing arguments to change someone's decision.

advised against

Suggests offering counsel as the means of changing someone's mind.

reasoned with

Highlights the use of logical arguments and reasoning to alter someone's course of action.

discounseled

A more formal and less common synonym for advising against.

stopped

A more straightforward term, lacking the nuance of persuasion.

FAQs

How do I use "dissuaded" in a sentence?

Use "dissuaded" to indicate that someone was persuaded not to do something. For example, "The high cost of the project "dissuaded them" from proceeding".

What's a synonym for "dissuaded"?

Synonyms for "dissuaded" include "deterred", "discouraged", and "prevented". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'dissuaded to' instead of 'dissuaded from'?

No, the correct usage is "dissuaded from". For instance, you should say "She "dissuaded him from" quitting his job".

What is the difference between "dissuaded" and "discouraged"?

"Dissuaded" implies active persuasion against a course of action, whereas "discouraged" suggests a loss of enthusiasm or confidence. One might be "discouraged" by setbacks, but "dissuaded" by sound arguments.