'persuasiveness' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'persuadere,' where 'per-' meant 'through' and 'suadere' meant 'to advise or urge.'

'persuadere' transformed into the Old French word 'persuasif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'persuasive' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to advise or urge through reasoning,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.