Convertible
/kənˈvɜːrtɪbl/
Definitions
2 meaningsCapable of being changed in form, character, or function.
/kənˈvɜːrtɪbl/
Capable of being changed in form or function.
The company offers convertible loans to small businesses.
💡 Simply: Imagine a phone that can become a tablet – that's a convertible device! It means you can change it to do different things. Like a piece of furniture that changes from a sofa into a bed!
👶 For kids: Something that can change its shape or what it does.
More Examples
This new laptop has a convertible design, so you can use it as a laptop or a tablet.
The architect designed a space with convertible walls.
How It's Used
"Convertible bonds can be exchanged for shares of stock."
"A convertible laptop can be used as both a laptop and a tablet."
A car with a roof that can be folded or removed.
/kənˈvɜːrtɪbl/
A car with a folding or removable roof.
They rented a convertible for their road trip.
💡 Simply: Picture a car where the roof can go up or down! It's called a convertible. Great for feeling the breeze!
👶 For kids: A car with a roof that can open and close.
More Examples
The convertible offers a sense of freedom on the open road.
He purchased a vintage convertible as a weekend project.
How It's Used
"He drove a classic convertible down the Pacific Coast Highway."
"She loves the feeling of driving a convertible with the top down on a sunny day."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Late Latin *convertibilis*, from *convertere* ('to turn around, change'), from *con-* ('with, together') + *vertere* ('to turn'). The word's use related to automobiles likely emerged in the early 20th century to describe cars with tops that could be changed or 'converted'.
The term gained prominence in the early 20th century with the rise of automobile manufacturing.
Memory tip
Think of something that can be 'converted' from one thing to another.
Word Origin
"to turn or change"