Convince
To cause someone to believe something is true or to take a proposed action by presenting reasons, evidence, or appeals to emotion.
verbConvince
To cause someone to believe something is true or to take a proposed action by presenting reasons, evidence, or appeals to emotion.
verbImagine This
Imagine a skeptical audience listening to a clear, data-driven presentation. The speaker calmly lays out facts, mirrors the audience's concerns, and slowly the crowd nods in agreement, finally saying, 'I am convinced.'
Sounds Like
kuhn-VINS
Looks Like
con + vince (looks like 'con' and 'vince', as in conquer/win)
Remember This
Convince shares its root with 'convict' and 'conviction,' all stemming from Latin convincere, meaning to overcome or win over. The act is to win someone over in belief.
Other Forms
Connect With
persuade, influence, sway, win over, argue, reason
Note
Use 'convince' with 'of' when presenting a belief as true (convince someone of something) and with 'to' when prompting action (convince someone to do something). Distinguish from 'persuade'—convince emphasizes belief, while persuade can emphasize action as well.
Study Deeper
- The salesman used statistics and testimonials to convince customers to buy the product.
- The scientist presented compelling data to convince the committee of the study's validity.
From Latin convincere, formed from con- (together) + vincere (to conquer, win). The sense evolved from overcoming objections to gaining belief or assent.
Vince wins people over: think of convincing as 'con' + 'vince' (to win) — you win over someone's belief with your argument.
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Consonance
nounHarmony or agreement; in music, a pleasing combination of notes sounded together.
Outmoded
adjectiveNo longer in fashion or current; outdated or no longer useful or relevant.
Bias
nounA preference or inclination that prevents impartial judgment; a prejudice or leaning toward or against a person, group, or idea.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.