Con
/kɒn/
Definitions
5 meaningsTo swindle or cheat someone, usually by gaining their trust through a deceptive scheme.
/kɒn/
To deceive someone, typically to obtain money or information.
The swindler tried to con the tourists by selling them fake jewelry.
💡 Simply: Like when someone tricks you into believing something that isn't true to get something from you. Think of a person promising you a free vacation, but then asking for money upfront.
👶 For kids: To trick someone into believing something that isn't true, like when a pretend superhero asks for your allowance to fight a monster.
More Examples
He was conned out of his life savings by a smooth-talking stranger.
How It's Used
"He was convicted of conning elderly people out of their savings."
A confidence trick; an act of swindling or deceiving someone.
/kɒn/
A confidence trick or swindle.
The police investigated the con that had targeted several wealthy individuals.
💡 Simply: It's a trick or scam to get someone to give you something they own, like money or a valuable object. Think of it like someone selling you something of no worth.
👶 For kids: A bad trick someone plays to get something from you, like a toy or candy.
More Examples
The victim realized he had fallen for a clever con.
How It's Used
"He was a master of the con, always finding new ways to trick people."
A person who practices confidence tricks.
/kɒn/
The police were trying to catch the con who had been operating in the city for years.
💡 Simply: Someone who is very good at tricking people to get what they want, usually money. Think of a person trying to sell you a magical lamp.
👶 For kids: Someone who tries to trick people to get something, like a special prize.
More Examples
The detective was an expert at identifying cons.
How It's Used
"The con was known for his ability to charm his victims before swindling them."
Arguments or evidence against something; the negative aspects.
/kɒn/
A shortened form of the word 'cons' in a discussion or debate
He considered the pros and cons before making a decision.
💡 Simply: The bad things about something. What's wrong with doing something. Imagine weighing the 'pros and cons' when deciding what to buy.
👶 For kids: The bad things about something. For example, the cons of staying up late are that you'll be tired.
More Examples
The committee weighed the cons of the project before voting on it.
How It's Used
"In a debate, the speaker will present the 'pros and cons' of the situation."
Against; on the opposite side; in opposition to (used in debates).
/kɒn/
Against.
She voted con the proposed changes to the policy.
💡 Simply: When you're against something. For example, voting 'con' a proposal, meaning you're not in favour of it.
👶 For kids: When you don't like or agree with something. Imagine the 'con' side in a debate.
More Examples
The team played con their rivals in the championship game.
How It's Used
"I voted 'con' the proposal."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Pros and cons
The advantages and disadvantages of something.
"Before making a decision, it's important to weigh the pros and cons."
Con artist
A person who practices confidence tricks.
"The con artist tricked the elderly man out of his life savings."
From Latin *contra* (against). It has been used as a shortening of 'confidence trick' and other related terms.
The term 'con' as a shortened form of 'confidence trick' emerged in the late 19th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a 'con' artist creating a clever 'con' to trick people.
Word Origin
"against, opposite (in 'contra')"