Persuade — A Vocabulary Story
Pineapple on Top
Bianca had a plan, and the plan was pineapple.
Every Friday her nonna made pizza from scratch, and every Friday the toppings were the same. Tomato. Cheese. Basil. Nonna called it the proper way.
"I would like to persuade you to try something new," Bianca said, hopping onto a kitchen stool.
Persuade means to cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument.
Nonna did not look up from the dough. "Go on then. I am listening. I am not agreeing, but I am listening."
Bianca had prepared. She had a list. Pineapple was sweet. Pineapple was yellow, which was a cheerful colour. Pineapple was already in the fruit bowl, so it would be a shame to waste it.
"That last one is quite good," Nonna admitted.
Bianca's little brother Matteo wandered in and said pineapple on pizza was disgusting, which was not helpful.
"You have never tried it," said Bianca.
"Neither have you," said Matteo.
This was true, and it was awkward.
Nonna rolled the dough thin and flat. "Here is my offer. One small corner. Pineapple only on one small corner. If it is terrible, we never speak of it again."
Bianca had come to persuade Nonna. Now, strangely, one corner seemed sensible, and she felt half persuaded herself.
The pizza came out bubbling and golden, with a tiny yellow patch on one side. Bianca took the first bite. It was sweet and salty and warm all at once.
"Well?" said Nonna.
"I would like to persuade you," said Bianca slowly, "to do half a pizza next week."
Nonna laughed until she had to put the tray down. "You are persuading a very old woman to change. That takes patience. Come back next Friday."
Word Definition
persuade
meaning
to cause someone to do something through reasoning or argument
synonyms
convince · cajole · satisfy · impress · induce
antonyms
dissuade · discourage · deter
example sentence
She managed to persuade him to join the team.