# convert

/ˈkɑnvɝt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/convert
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to change form or use

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

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

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

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

### 3. units or currency

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- You can use this app to convert kilometers into miles quickly.
- The accounting software automatically converts all foreign transactions into the company's functional currency using the daily spot rate.

### 4. to score

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The striker managed to convert the penalty in the final minute of the game.
- The team failed to convert several crucial power-play opportunities, which ultimately cost them the championship title.

### 5. a person who changed

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- As a recent convert to veganism, she was eager to share new recipes with her friends.
- The political party gained many new converts following the announcement of their innovative economic platform.

Teaching tip: Note the stress shift: the verb is con-VERT /kənˈvɜːrt/ and the noun is CON-vert /ˈkɒnvɜːrt/.

## Examples

- She is a recent convert to the local cycling club.
- After years of using traditional methods, the manager became a convert to digital project management tools.
- The political party focused its campaign on the undecided voters, knowing that a single passionate convert could influence an entire household's voting patterns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.