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Convince
To cause someone to believe something is true or to take a proposed action by presenting reasons, evidence, or appeals to emotion.
verb💡
Imagine 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.'
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Sounds Like
kuhn-VINS
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Looks Like
con + vince (looks like 'con' and 'vince', as in conquer/win)
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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.
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Other Forms
convincedadjective
convincingadjective/gerund
convincesverb
convincinglyadverb
convictionnoun
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Connect With
persuade, influence, sway, win over, argue, reason
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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.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- 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.
Synonyms
persuadeswaywin overinduceinfluence
Antonyms
deterdissuadediscourage
Etymology
From Latin convincere, formed from con- (together) + vincere (to conquer, win). The sense evolved from overcoming objections to gaining belief or assent.
Mnemonic
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adjectiveNo longer in fashion or current; outdated or no longer useful or relevant.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.
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