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REFERENCE

convert

v. · n.
US //ˈkɑnvɝt// con·vert
  1. 1 to change form or use (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to change something so that it has a different form or a new purpose.

    to transform the physical state, function, or character of an object or system.

    Example

    They decided to convert the old warehouse into a modern apartment building.

    Example

    The developers plan to convert the decommissioned power station into a multi-use cultural hub while preserving its industrial facade.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'into'.
  2. 2 to change beliefs (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    to change your religion or your main beliefs, or to persuade someone else to do so.

    to induce a change in an individual's religious affiliation, political ideology, or core belief system.

    Example

    He decided to convert to Buddhism after traveling through Southeast Asia.

    Example

    Missionaries spent decades attempting to convert the local population to their faith through education and community outreach.

    Usage

    Intransitive use typically takes the preposition 'to'.
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  1. 3 units or currency (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Math

    to change a value from one system of measurement or money to another.

    to express a quantity or value in alternative units or a different currency.

    Example

    You can use this app to convert kilometers into miles quickly.

    Example

    The accounting software automatically converts all foreign transactions into the company's functional currency using the daily spot rate.
  2. 4 to score (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to successfully score a goal or point, especially from a penalty or a specific opportunity.

    to successfully complete a scoring opportunity, such as a penalty kick or an extra point after a touchdown.

    Example

    The striker managed to convert the penalty in the final minute of the game.

    Example

    The team failed to convert several crucial power-play opportunities, which ultimately cost them the championship title.
  3. 5 a person who changed (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    someone who has changed their religion or their strong opinion about something.

    an individual who has adopted a new set of religious beliefs or has been persuaded to support a previously opposed cause.

    Example

    As a recent convert to veganism, she was eager to share new recipes with her friends.

    Example

    The political party gained many new converts following the announcement of their innovative economic platform.

    Teacher's tip

    Note the stress shift: the verb is con-VERT /kənˈvɜːrt/ and the noun is CON-vert /ˈkɒnvɜːrt/.
    Pitfall
    He is a convert of Islam.
    He is a convert to Islam.

    Use the preposition 'to' when identifying the new belief system of a convert.

Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *ḱe Proto-Indo-European *ḱóm Proto-Italic *kom Proto-Italic *kom- Proto-Indo-European *wert- Proto-Indo-European *wértetor Proto-Italic *wertō Proto-Italic *komwertō Latin convertōder. Old French convertirbor. Middle English converten English convert From Middle English converten, from Old French convertir, from Latin converto (“turn around”).

Word family

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