Meaning and Usage
The verb 促使 (cùshǐ) means "to induce" or "to cause" someone or something to take an action or undergo a change. It often implies a driving force or motivation behind the resulting effect.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in formal or written Chinese, especially in contexts like business, education, social changes, or cause-effect relationships.
Collocations and Patterns
- 促使 + [someone] + [verb]: to cause or induce someone to do something.
- 促使 + [something] + [verb]: to cause a process or change.
Usage Notes
When using 促使, the subject is usually an event, factor, or person that triggers or motivates the action. It is more formal than simpler verbs like 让 or 使 and often appears in news reports, essays, or official documents.
Avoid confusing 促使 with 促进 (cùjìn), which means "to promote" or "to facilitate"; 促使 emphasizes causing a direct effect or action, while 促进 focuses on helping or advancing a process.