Convert
/kənˈvɜːrt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo change the form, character, or function of something; to transform.
/kənˈvɜːrt/
To change something into a different form or properties.
We converted the garage into a home office.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a recipe for cookies, but you only have a different kind of flour. To 'convert' the recipe, you'd adjust the ingredients to make the cookies work with your flour. It's about changing something into a new form!
👶 For kids: To change something from one thing to another, like changing a caterpillar into a butterfly.
More Examples
The software can convert images into different formats.
The factory is converting raw materials into finished products.
How It's Used
"The machine converts electrical energy into mechanical energy."
"He converted his savings into a different currency."
"You can convert a PDF file into a Word document."
To persuade or cause someone to adopt a different religion, belief, or opinion.
/kənˈvɜːrt/
To cause someone to change their beliefs or opinions.
The speaker successfully converted many people to their cause.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to convince your friend that pizza is the best food. If you successfully 'convert' them, they now think pizza is the best food too! It's about changing someone's mind or belief.
👶 For kids: To make someone believe in something new, like changing a friend's mind about their favorite flavor of ice cream.
More Examples
He attempted to convert his neighbor to his political views.
The movie aimed to convert people to a more environmental lifestyle.
How It's Used
"The missionary worked to convert the local population to Christianity."
"The politician tried to convert undecided voters to his party."
A person who has been persuaded to change their religious or political beliefs.
/kənˈvɜːrt/
A person who has changed their religious faith.
The community welcomed the new converts with open arms.
💡 Simply: Think of someone who used to believe one thing and then started believing something completely different, like if someone changed their religion. That person is a 'convert'.
👶 For kids: Someone who has changed their mind about what they believe, especially about religion.
More Examples
Many converts found solace in the new faith.
The converts were eager to learn about their new religion.
How It's Used
"The church welcomed the new converts."
Idioms & expressions
convert to
To change to a particular state, religion, or system.
"She converted to Catholicism."
From Latin convertere, meaning 'to turn around, transform'. It entered English in the late 14th century, initially referring to changing religious beliefs, but later broadened to other forms of transformation.
Historically, 'convert' often appeared in religious contexts to describe the act of changing religious beliefs or affiliations.
Memory tip
Think of a transformer changing its shape.
Word Origin
"to turn around, transform"