Words / C2

PROS-uh-l-uh-tyz/ˈprɒsələtaɪz/

To proselytise is to try to convert someone from one belief, party, or opinion to another (often disapproving; British spelling): proselytise in the lift, proselytised at the door. To persuade (already in the dictionary) is everyday talking-into; to convert (already in the dictionary) is to change form or use — a common mix-up, of things not of beliefs. To cajole and to inveigle (already in the dictionary) are sweet talk, and trick-into-agreeing. This batch: hortatory is urging a course of action, of pep not of recruitment. A lift signature is not consent.

Meaning

To try to convert someone from one belief, party, or opinion to another (often disapproving).

Examples

• “Do not proselytise a wet-ink signature in the lift; put consent on the form.”
• “To persuade is everyday talking-into (already in B1). To convert is to change form or use (already in B2) — things, not a creed. To cajole is to sweet-talk (already in C2). To inveigle is to trick into agreeing (already in C2). Hortatory is exhorting (this batch). A dated form can still be short. Heat in the lift is not a record. Write the consent; then the creed.”

Good to know

Try to convert someone (disapproving). Everyday: persuade (already in this dictionary). Mix-up: convert (change form — already in B2). Close: cajole / inveigle (already in C2). This batch: hortatory. A lift ≠ a form.

Near in meaning

evangelise, convert, recruit, win over

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