convert

/kən'və:t/
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convert

A student uses a calculator to convert inches to centimeters.

Definition
  1. Verb:

    • To change something from one form, purpose, system, or belief to another: This is the core meaning of "convert." It implies a transformation into a different state, function, or type.
    • To change one's religious faith or political beliefs: Specifically, to adopt a new religion, doctrine, or set of principles.
    • In sports (American football, rugby, basketball): To successfully complete a play that earns extra points, such as kicking a goal after a touchdown or making a free throw.
  2. Noun:

    • A person who has changed their religious faith or political beliefs: Someone who has adopted a new religion or set of convictions.
Usage and Examples
  • Verb (Change form/function):

    • The company plans to convert the old factory into luxury apartments.
    • This app can convert your spoken words into text.
    • We need to convert these measurements from metric to imperial units.
  • Verb (Change belief):

    • She converted to Islam after years of study.
    • The preacher hoped to convert the crowd with his passionate sermon.
  • Verb (Sports):

    • The kicker converted the extra point, tying the game.
    • He converted a crucial free throw in the final seconds.
  • Noun:

    • He was a convert to the environmental movement.
    • The church welcomed the new converts.
Advanced Usage
  • "To convert someone to something": To persuade someone to adopt a new belief, opinion, or cause.

    • He tried to convert his friends to his way of thinking about politics.
  • "Convert into": To change or transform something into something else. This is a very common collocation.

    • They decided to convert their savings into gold.
Variants and Related Words
  • Conversion (n): The process or act of converting.

    • The conversion of the building took two years.
    • Her religious conversion was a profound experience.
  • Convertible (adj/n): (Adjective) Able to be changed in form, function, or character. (Noun) A car with a folding roof.

    • The currency is convertible. (adj)
    • He drove a red convertible. (n)
Synonyms
  • Transform: To change markedly in form or appearance.
  • Change: To make or become different.
  • Alter: To change or cause to change in character or composition.
  • Proselytize (v, for belief change): To try to convert someone to one's own religious faith.
Related Phrasal Verbs
  • Convert over to: To switch completely from one system or thing to another.
    • The office converted over to a new software system last month.
Related Idioms
  • Preaching to the converted: Trying to persuade people who already agree with you. (This idiom uses the noun form "converted" as a collective term for believers).
    • Telling this audience about climate change risks is just preaching to the converted.
convert

A student uses a calculator to convert inches to centimeters.

Noun
  1. a person who has been converted to another religious or political belief
Verb
  1. change in nature, purpose, or function; undergo a chemical change
    • The substance converts to an acid
  2. exchange a penalty for a less severe one
  3. make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something
    • He had finally convinced several customers of the advantages of his product
  4. score (a spare)
  5. complete successfully
    • score a penalty shot or free throw
  6. score an extra point or points after touchdown by kicking the ball through the uprights or advancing the ball into the end zone
    • Smith converted and his team won
  7. cause to adopt a new or different faith
    • The missionaries converted the Indian population
  8. exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category
    • Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
    • He changed his name
    • convert centimeters into inches
    • convert holdings into shares
  9. change religious beliefs, or adopt a religious belief
    • She converted to Buddhism
  10. change the nature, purpose, or function of something
    • convert lead into gold
    • convert hotels into jails
    • convert slaves to laborers
  11. change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy
    • We converted from 220 to 110 Volt