Word
convince
Phoneticscon·vince, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈvɪns/
UK/kənvˈɪns/
Definitions
01to make someone believe
B1 · Intermediate
v. to make someone feel sure that something is true by giving them facts or reasons.
v. to cause someone to believe firmly in the truth of something through logic, evidence, or argument.
“It took a long time to convince the police that he was telling the truth.”
“The researchers presented a wealth of statistical data to convince the board of the project's long-term viability.”
Usage
Often used with a 'that' clause or the preposition 'of'.
Pitfall
I convinced to him that I was right.
I convinced him that I was right.
The verb 'convince' is transitive and takes a direct object; do not use 'to' before the person you are convincing.
Antonyms
02to persuade to act
B1 · Intermediate
v. to persuade someone to do something.
v. to persuade someone to take a specific course of action.
“I managed to convince my parents to let me stay out late.”
“The marketing team worked tirelessly to convince potential investors to back the new startup during the initial funding round.”
Usage
Commonly follows the pattern 'convince someone to do something'.
Pitfall
She convinced me go to the party.
She convinced me to go to the party.
When followed by another verb, use the 'to-infinitive' pattern: convince + object + to + verb.
Antonyms
03to be believable
C1 · Advanced Theater Technical
v. to act or perform in a way that makes people believe you are the character.
v. to perform a role with enough authenticity that the audience accepts the portrayal as genuine.
“The actor didn't quite convince in the role of the young king.”
“Despite the elaborate costume, the lead failed to convince as a seasoned detective, largely due to a lack of gravitas in his delivery.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “convince” in context.
Verb
01. convince a friend to join
“I am trying to convince a friend to join the gym with me.”
verb + noun + infinitive
02. convince the boss of the plan
“She finally convinced the boss of the plan after showing the budget.”
verb + noun + prep + noun
03. convince the jury that-clause
“The lawyer managed to convince the jury that his client was innocent.”
verb + noun + that-clause
04. try to convince
“Don't try to convince me; I have already made up my mind.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
05. easily convince the audience
“The speaker was so charismatic that he could easily convince the audience.”
adv + verb + noun
06. finally convince the parents
“We finally convinced the parents to let us go on the trip.”
adv + verb + noun
07. hard to convince
“He is very stubborn, so he will be hard to convince.”
adj + infinitive
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin convincō (“I refute, prove”), from con- + vincō (“I conquer, vanquish”). Doublet of convict. Displaced native Old English oferreċċan.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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