Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense converts, present participle converting, past tense, past participle convertedpronunciation note: The verb is pronounced (kənvɜːʳt). The noun is pronounced (kɒnvɜːʳt).
1. verb
If one thing is converted or convertsinto another, it is changed into a different form.
The signal will be converted into digital code. [beV-ed + into/to]
...naturally occurring substances which the body can convert into vitamins. [V n + into/to]
...a table that converts into an ironing board. [V + into/to]
Synonyms: change, turn, transform, alter More Synonyms of convert
2. verb
If someone converts a room or building, they alter it in order to use it for a different purpose.
By converting the loft, they were able to have two extra bedrooms. [VERB noun]
...the entrepreneur who wants to convert County Hall into an hotel. [VERB noun + into]
He is living in a converted barn. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: adapt, modify, remodel, reorganize More Synonyms of convert
3. verb
If you convert a vehicle or piece of equipment, you change it so that it can use a different fuel.
Save money by converting your car to unleaded. [VERB noun + to]
The programme to convert every gas burner in Britain took 10 years. [VERB noun]
[Also VERB noun + into]
4. verb
If you convert a quantity from one system of measurement to another, you calculate what the quantity is in the second system.
Converting metric measurements to U.S. equivalents is easy. [VERB noun preposition]
[Also VERB noun]
5. verb
If someone converts you, they persuade you to change your religious or political beliefs. You can also say that someone convertsto a different religion.
If you try to convert him, you could find he just walks away. [VERB noun]
He was a major influence in converting Godwin to political radicalism. [VERB noun + to]
He converted to Catholicism in 1917. [VERB + to]
6. countable noun
A convert is someone who has changed their religious or political beliefs.
She, too, was a convert to Roman Catholicism. [+ to]
I took to these new pursuits with the enthusiasm of a convert who has just foundreligion.
Synonyms: neophyte [formal], disciple, proselyte, catechumen More Synonyms of convert
7. verb
If someone converts you to something, they make you very enthusiastic about it.
He quickly converted me to the joys of cross-country skiing. [VERB noun + to]
[Also VERB noun]
8. countable noun
If you describe someone as a convertto something, you mean that they have recently become very enthusiastic about it.
...recent converts to vegetarianism. [+ to]
9. to preach to the converted
More Synonyms of convert
convert in British English
verb (kənˈvɜːt)(mainly tr)
1.
to change or adapt the form, character, or function of; transform
2.
to cause (someone) to change in opinion, belief, etc
3.
to change (a person or his or her way of life, etc) for the better
4. (intransitive)
to admit of being changed (into)
the table converts into a tray
5. (also intr)
to change or be changed into another chemical compound or physical state
to convert water into ice
6. law
a.
to assume unlawful proprietary rights over (personal property)
b.
to change (property) from realty into personalty or vice versa
7. (also intr) rugby
to make a conversion after (a try)
8. logic
to transpose the subject and predicate of (a proposition) by conversion
9.
to change (a value or measurement) from one system of units to another
10.
to exchange (a security or bond) for something of equivalent value
noun (ˈkɒnvɜːt)
11.
a person who has been converted to another belief, religion, etc
Derived forms
convertive (conˈvertive)
adjective
Word origin
C13: from Old French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, alter, transform, from vertere to turn
convert in American English
(kənˈvɜrt; for n. ˈkɑnˌvɜrt)
verb transitive
1.
to change from one form or use to another; transform
convert grain into flour
2.
to cause to change as from one religion, doctrine, or course to another
3.
to exchange for something equal in value
4. Finance
a.
to exchange (preferred stock, bonds, etc.) for another kind or class of security, esp. common stock
b.
to exchange (a currency) for an equivalent amount of another currency or precious metal
5. American Football and Rugby
to make (the extra point or points of a conversion) after a touchdown or try
6. Law
a.
to appropriate or use (another's property) by conversion (sense 5) conversion (sense 5a)
b.
to change (property) from real to personal, or the reverse
7. Logic
to change (a proposition) by conversion
verb intransitive
8.
to be converted
9. US, Bowling
to knock down all of the standing pins on the second bowl, scoring a spare
10. US, American Football, Rugby
to make a conversion
noun
11.
a person converted, as to a religion
SIMILAR WORDS: change, transˈform
Word origin
ME converten < OFr convertir < L convertere < com-, together + vertere, to turn: see verse
Examples of 'convert' in a sentence
convert
He won and converted the penalty, making it six times he has scored or made a goal.
The Sun (2016)
He admitted converting criminal property and his case was adjourned at the Old Bailey.
The Sun (2017)
Helps the body convert food into energy.
The Sun (2007)
This phase is about converting stored fat to fuel to be transformed into muscle.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They are having a revival meeting there and you just get converted all over again.
Christianity Today (2000)
Common to all these capitalist converts is the enthusiastic embrace of the culture of debt.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They also take nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it for use for future plants.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
One more convert for the temple of jump racing.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
There are few beaches so perfect that they can convert a pool person into a beach person.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
At the heart of her appeal is the fact that she is a comparatively recent rural convert.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The changes will make it easier for abandoned commercial property to be converted for residential use.
The Sun (2011)
It is more likely to preach to the converted than change minds.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
All of these can be converted by the body into fat or energy.
Holford, Patrick The Family Nutrition Workbook (1988)
The island is about to be converted into a luxurious resort.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Just convert the tapes with this brilliant gizmo.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But he has been an enthusiastic convert.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The six new squash courts can be converted for use as four doubles courts.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It is therefore much more complex than you would think to convert from one to the other.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
You may also need to convert them to another format if you want to use a different web browser.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
But he did find that most converts were unable to get the support they needed from their local mosque.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Will shoppers who have preferred the chain's rivals become converts?
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
There is no need for one culture to impose its view on another or to convert those in other parts of the world.
Crowley, Vivianne Phoenix From the Flame (1994)
A converted penalty try three minutes from time set the seal on a characterful display.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Scored the equaliser and conceded a penalty before converting the decisive spot-kick with what may be his last act for the club.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The Methodist Chapel has recently been converted in a contemporary style that highlights its original features.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
In other languages
convert
British English: convert /kənˈvɜːt/ VERB
To convert one thing into another means to change it into a different shape or form.
By converting the loft, they were able to have two extra bedrooms.
The signal will be converted into digital code.
American English: convert
Arabic: يَتَحَّوَلُ
Brazilian Portuguese: converter
Chinese: 转换
Croatian: pretvoriti
Czech: změnit
Danish: konvertere
Dutch: converteren
European Spanish: convertir
Finnish: muuntaa
French: convertir
German: umwandeln
Greek: μετατρέπω
Italian: convertire
Japanese: 変える
Korean: ...을 (...으로) 변하게 하다
Norwegian: omforme
Polish: przerobić
European Portuguese: converter
Romanian: a converti
Russian: трансформировать
Latin American Spanish: convertir
Swedish: omvända
Thai: เปลี่ยน
Turkish: değiştirmek dönüştürmek
Ukrainian: перетворювати
Vietnamese: chuyển đổi
British English: convert NOUN
A convert is someone who has changed their religious or political beliefs.