convince
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to make someone feel sure that something is true by giving them facts or reasons.
to cause someone to believe firmly in the truth of something through logic, evidence, or argument.
Simple“It took a long time to convince the police that he was telling the truth.”
In context“The researchers presented a wealth of statistical data to convince the board of the project's long-term viability.”
UsageOften used with a 'that' clause or the preposition 'of'.
PitfallI 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.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to persuade someone to do something.
to persuade someone to take a specific course of action.
Simple“I managed to convince my parents to let me stay out late.”
In context“The marketing team worked tirelessly to convince potential investors to back the new startup during the initial funding round.”
UsageCommonly follows the pattern 'convince someone to do something'.
PitfallShe 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 - 03 C1 Advanced
to act or perform in a way that makes people believe you are the character.
to perform a role with enough authenticity that the audience accepts the portrayal as genuine.
Simple“The actor didn't quite convince in the role of the young king.”
In context“Despite the elaborate costume, the lead failed to convince as a seasoned detective, largely due to a lack of gravitas in his delivery.”
Synonyms
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.