convince
/kən'vins/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To cause someone to believe firmly in the truth of something, or to agree to do something, by presenting arguments, evidence, or reasoning.
- To persuade someone to change their opinion or course of action by making them see the validity or necessity of your point.
Usage
- The verb "convince" is typically followed by a direct object (the person being persuaded).
- Common structures are:
convince someoneconvince someone of somethingconvince someone that [clause]convince someone to do something
Examples
Basic Usage:
- The lawyer tried to convince the jury of his client's innocence.
- I am convinced that this is the right decision.
- We finally convinced them to join our project.
With different structures:
- He convinced me of the need for immediate action. (convince + someone + of + something)
- She couldn't convince her parents that she was ready for the responsibility. (convince + someone + that + clause)
- The advertisement convinced many people to buy the new phone. (convince + someone + to + verb)
Advanced Usage
"To be convinced": This passive or adjectival form describes a state of firm belief.
- After seeing the evidence, I am thoroughly convinced.
- She is a convinced supporter of the cause.
"Convince oneself": To persuade oneself to believe something, often after deliberation.
- He had to convince himself that leaving was the best option.
Variants and Related Words
- Convincing (adjective): Able to persuade someone that something is true or real; believable.
- She presented a very convincing argument.
- Convincingly (adverb): In a persuasive manner.
- He argued his point very convincingly.
- Conviction (noun): A firmly held belief or opinion. (Note: This is a related noun form, but its meaning extends beyond the act of persuading).
- She spoke with great conviction about human rights.
Synonyms
- Persuade: To induce someone to do something through reasoning or argument. (Often used interchangeably with "convince," though some distinguish "persuade" as leading to an action and "convince" as leading to a belief).
- Satisfy: To provide someone with adequate information or proof so that they are free from doubt.
- Assure: To tell someone positively to dispel any doubts.
Phrasal Verbs
- Convince against: (Less common) To persuade someone not to do something.
- Her advice convinced me against making a hasty investment.
Related Idioms
- Beyond (a shadow of) a doubt: To a degree that leaves no possibility for doubt; completely convinced.
- The proof convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt.
- A hard sell: Something that is difficult to convince people to accept or buy.
- Getting approval for the budget increase was a hard sell; I had to really convince the board.
Verb
- make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something
- He had finally convinced several customers of the advantages of his product