Definition

1. 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 someone
  • convince someone of something
  • convince 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

1. make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something
   • He had finally convinced several customers of the advantages of his product