convince
kuhn-VIHNS
Convince (verb) means to make someone believe something, usually through reasoning or evidence. Example: “Nothing you say will convince me to eat that spicy soup.”
verb
1
To make someone believe something, usually through reasoning or evidence.
"Nothing you say will convince me to eat that spicy soup."
"It took a while, but she finally convinced him to see a doctor."
"The evidence convinced the jury of his innocence."
How to use convince
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo get someone to believe or agree to something by giving them good reasons.
Common mistake
In British English "convince someone to do something" is common in speech, though some style guides prefer "persuade someone to."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
convince someone of
hard to convince
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- convinces
- Past tense
- convinced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nothing you say will _____ me to eat that spicy soup.
Etymology
From Latin convincere, "to prove, to demonstrate conclusively" — from con- + vincere ("to conquer").
Related words
Rhymes for convince
See all rhymes for convince →Frequently asked questions
What does “convince” mean?
The word “convince” means to make someone believe something, usually through reasoning or evidence. In plain terms, to get someone to believe or agree to something by giving them good reasons.
How do you pronounce “convince”?
“Convince” is pronounced kuhn-VIHNS (/kənˈvɪns/ in IPA).
How do you use “convince” in a sentence?
Here is “convince” used in a sentence: “It took a while, but she finally convinced him to see a doctor.”
What part of speech is “convince”?
“Convince” is a verb.
Where does the word “convince” come from?
The word “convince” comes from Latin. From Latin convincere, "to prove, to demonstrate conclusively" — from con- + vincere ("to conquer").
Is “convince” a common word?
“Convince” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'convince' and 'persuade'?
'Convince' focuses on making someone believe something is true, usually through reasoning or evidence. 'Persuade' focuses on moving someone to take action. You might convince a friend that a film is good, then persuade them to come and watch it.
Is it 'convince to' or 'convince of'?
In careful usage, 'convince' pairs with 'of' or 'that,' as in 'convince him of the risk' or 'convince him that it is risky.' 'Persuade' is the verb traditionally used with 'to,' as in 'persuade him to leave.' In everyday speech, however, 'convince someone to do something' is now widely heard.
What is the difference between 'convince' and 'assure'?
'Convince' means to make someone genuinely believe something, usually by giving reasons or evidence. 'Assure' means to tell someone confidently that something is true in order to remove their doubt or worry, without necessarily proving it. You convince through argument, but you assure through reassurance.
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