convert

1 of 2

verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

converted; converting; converts

transitive verb

1

a

: to bring over from one belief, view, or party to another

They tried to convert us to their way of thinking.

b

: to bring about a religious conversion in

The missionaries converted the native people to Christianity.

2

a

: to alter the physical or chemical nature or properties of especially in manufacturing

converting starch into dextrose

b(1)

: to change from one form or function to another

converted the attic into a bedroom

(2)

: to alter for more effective utilization

convert a coal furnace to oil

(3)

: to appropriate without right

c

: to exchange for an equivalent

convert foreign currency into dollars

convert a bond

3

obsolete : turn

4

: to subject to logical conversion

5

a

: to make a goal after receiving (a pass) from a teammate

b

: to score on (an attempt, such as a try for point or free throw)

c

: to make (a spare) in bowling

intransitive verb

1

: to undergo conversion

He converted to Islam.

2

: to succeed in an attempt for a point, field goal, or free throw

convert

2 of 2

noun

con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt 

: one that is converted

a convert to Christianity

Synonyms

Verb

• proselyte
• proselytize

Noun

• neophyte
• proselyte

Choose the Right Synonym for convert

transform, metamorphose, transmute, convert, transmogrify, transfigure mean to change a thing into a different thing.

transform implies a major change in form, nature, or function.

transformed a small company into a corporate giant

metamorphose suggests an abrupt or startling change induced by or as if by magic or a supernatural power.

awkward girls metamorphosed into graceful ballerinas

transmute implies transforming into a higher element or thing.

attempted to transmute lead into gold

convert implies a change fitting something for a new or different use or function.

converted the study into a nursery

transmogrify suggests a strange or preposterous metamorphosis.

a story in which a frog is transmogrified into a prince

transfigure implies a change that exalts or glorifies.

joy transfigured her face

Examples of convert in a Sentence

Verb

They tried for two points but could not convert.

They had many chances to score but they couldn't convert their opportunities.

They had chances to score but couldn't convert.

Noun

I didn't think I'd like paying my bills online, but now I'm a convert.

the converts were the most vocal and fervent worshippers in the church

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The victory rescued Reagan's campaign, and demonstrated his popularity with southern conservative voters, donors, and strategists — many, like Helms, recently converted Democrats — who relished Reagan’s anti-statist rhetoric and despised Ford as an establishment moderate. —TIME, 12 Apr. 2024

The structure dates back to the 1930s and originally served as the 1,400-seat Rio Theater until the 1960s when it was converted into a Target Furniture Store. —Detroit Free Press, 11 Apr. 2024

On the market with both Knight Frank and Savills for a spine-tingling £42 million (or about $53.2 million), the swanky Belgravia residence is nestled within Chelsea Barracks, a former British Army barracks that’s been converted into an award-winning residential development. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024

While many ocean energy projects think big, laying large buoys that convert waves into electricity through mechanical means, there is another approach to developing wave energy: going small. —IEEE Spectrum, 9 Apr. 2024

With the help of federal and state grants, the city of Cincinnati aims to revitalize these sites, two of which have been cleaned up and converted to apartments. —Elizabeth B. Kim, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024

The filings do not specify whether Scavino’s note was converted. —Drew Harwell, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024

The moment number is then converted to a scale number, which provides an estimate of the quake's size. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2024

All three times, Betts converted the play with ease: Backhanding a firm bouncer from Brandon Crawford in the third, rocketing a long throw to retire Nolan Arenado in the fourth, then limiting damage in the 10th by getting at least one out at first base on a slow roller with the infield in. —Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024

Noun

In their book, the authors mention famous converts such as Sammy Davis Jr. and Nell Carter. —Devan Schwartz, NPR, 28 Mar. 2024

The sugar in apple juice converts to alcohol during the fermentation process. —Sam Stone, Bon Appétit, 21 Feb. 2024

The product also works for converts and doesn’t include any pork. —Omar L. Gallaga, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024

So too were many of the Native American converts who were forced into labor in the missions, but often in unmarked and even mass graves. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024

Photo : Patrick Ketchum The poolside hookah lounge converts to an alfresco movie theater. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2024

At the end of a Competitive Year, any remaining balance of Competitive Points converts to Legacy Competitive Points. —Kris Holt, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024

Over the years, bitcoin evangelists have won key converts in tech and finance—from Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey to Larry Fink and Ray Dalio. —Sam Lyman, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

Originating in Egypt in the 11th century, the religious sect is an offshoot of Islam which permits no converts – either to or from the religion – and no intermarriage. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Anglo-French convertir, from Latin convertere to turn around, transform, convert, from com- + vertere to turn — more at worth

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1561, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

convert

1 of 2 verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

1

: to change from one belief, view, or party to another

2

a

: to change from one substance, form, use, or unit to another

convert pounds to grams

b

: to exchange for something equal in value

convert francs into dollars

converter noun

convert

2 of 2 noun

con·​vert ˈkän-ˌvərt 

: a person who has been converted

Legal Definition

convert

transitive verb

con·​vert kən-ˈvərt 

1

a

: to change from one form or use to another

b

: to exchange (property) for another especially of a different kind

if property…is compulsorily or involuntarily converted

—Internal Revenue Code

especially : to exercise the right of conversion by exchanging (preferred shares or bonds) for common stock

2

: to appropriate (another's property) by conversion

the bailee converted the goods to his own use

see also embezzle

converter noun

convertible

kən-ˈvər-tə-bəl 

adjective