Convert: Changing a Thing, a Currency, or a Belief
To convert is to change something into another form. It applies to buildings, currencies, measurements and religious belief, and the noun names a person who has changed faith.
Convert means to change into another form while keeping the substance. A loft converted into a bedroom is still the same space; money converted into another currency is still the same value. Only the form has moved.
- To change into another form. *Convert the loft into a study.*
- To exchange currency or units. *Convert pounds to euros.*
- To change belief. *He converted to Islam.*
- A person who has changed faith (noun). *A recent convert.*
- To score after a try (rugby). *The kick was converted.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | convert | Convert the file. |
| Noun | convert | A new convert. |
| Noun | conversion | A loft conversion. |
| Adjective | convertible | A convertible car. |
| Person | converter | A currency converter. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The barn was converted into three flats.Convert something into something else.
- He is a convert to the cause.The noun — stressed on the first syllable.
- Only two of the five chances were converted.Sport — turned into goals or points.
Convert in different fields
- Property — a loft or barn conversion
- Finance — currency conversion, and convertible bonds
- Motoring — a convertible with a folding roof
- Religion — conversion from one faith to another
- Marketing — a conversion rate, the share of visitors who buy
From Latin *convertere*, to turn around, from *com* and *vertere*, to turn. The same *vertere* gives reverse, divert, version and universe — literally, turned into one.
Convert to or convert into?
Into for physical change: *converted into flats*. To for belief and for units: *converted to Judaism*, *converted to metric*.
What is a conversion rate in marketing?
The proportion of visitors who take the desired action — buying, subscribing or signing up.