convert
kuhn-VURT
Convert (verb) means to change something from one form, substance, or purpose into another. Example: “You can convert this spare room into a small office quite cheaply.”
verb
1
To change something from one form, substance, or purpose into another.
"You can convert this spare room into a small office quite cheaply."
"They converted the barn into a family home."
"Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity."
2
To persuade someone to change their religion, beliefs, or opinion.
"Nobody could convert her father to their way of thinking, however hard they tried."
"The preacher hoped to convert the villagers to his faith."
"He converted to Islam after meeting his wife."
noun
1
A person who has adopted a new religion, belief, or cause.
"As a recent convert to cycling, he now rides to work every day."
"The new convert spoke eagerly about her faith at the meeting."
"She became an enthusiastic convert to vegetarianism."
How to use convert
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo change something into a different form, or to change your beliefs (and someone who has done the latter).
Common pairings
convert into
convert to a religion
a recent convert
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Word forms
- Plural
- converts
- Third person singular
- converts
- Past tense
- converted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You can _____ this spare room into a small office quite cheaply.
Etymology
From Old French convertir, from Latin convertere, "to turn around" — from con- + vertere ("to turn").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “convert” mean?
The word “convert” means to change something from one form, substance, or purpose into another. In plain terms, to change something into a different form, or to change your beliefs (and someone who has done the latter).
How do you pronounce “convert”?
“Convert” is pronounced kuhn-VURT (/kənˈvɝt/ in IPA).
How do you use “convert” in a sentence?
Here is “convert” used in a sentence: “They converted the barn into a family home.”
What is another word for “convert”?
Words with a similar meaning to “convert” include develop, draw, evolve, metamorphize, metamorphose and reconvert.
What is the opposite of “convert”?
The opposite of “convert” — its antonyms — are deconvert, restore and revert.
What part of speech is “convert”?
Depending on how it is used, “convert” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “convert” come from?
The word “convert” comes from Latin. From Old French convertir, from Latin convertere, "to turn around" — from con- + vertere ("to turn").
Is “convert” a common word?
“Convert” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "convert" and "transform"?
Both mean to change something, but "convert" stresses changing form or purpose for a specific use (converting a garage into an office), while "transform" suggests a more complete or dramatic change in nature or appearance.
What is the difference between "convert" as a verb and "convert" as a noun?
As a verb, "to convert" means to change something, or to persuade someone to change their beliefs; as a noun, "a convert" is a person who has adopted a new religion or opinion. The stress moves from the second syllable in the verb to the first in the noun.
What prepositions follow "convert"?
Use "convert into" or "convert to" for changing form ("convert dollars into euros," "convert to metric") and "convert to" for beliefs ("convert to a new faith").
What is the difference between "convert" and "adapt"?
"Adapt" means to adjust something so it fits a new situation without changing what it fundamentally is, while "convert" changes its form, function, or belief outright. You adapt a recipe but convert a building.
