Definition of Convince
Convince is a verb that means to persuade someone to believe or do something through reasoning, argument, or evidence. It often involves presenting compelling reasons that lead another person to accept a certain point of view or take specific actions.
Synonyms for Convince
Strongest Matches (Exact Synonyms)
These words are closest in meaning to “convince” and can often be used interchangeably:
- Persuade
- Sway
- Win over
- Influence
- Convert (in a belief or ideological sense)
- Induce
Strong Matches
These words are similar but may have slight variations in nuance or usage:
- Assure
- Prove
- Satisfy
- Urge
- Secure (as in securing agreement)
- Prompt
- Coax
- Cajole
Weak Matches
These words are related but carry a weaker or different connotation:
- Encourage
- Motivate
- Nudge
- Talk into
- Suggest
- Recommend
- Advise
- Impress
Example Sentences Using “Convince”
- She tried to convince her friend to apply for the job, citing its numerous benefits.
- The evidence was strong enough to convince the jury of his innocence.
- He struggled to convince his parents that he was ready to live on his own.
- The advertisement aims to convince consumers that this product is the best in the market.
- After much discussion, she finally managed to convince him to invest in the project.
Contextual Usage of Convince
Everyday Conversations
- “I need to convince my boss to approve this proposal.”
- “He always tries to convince me to watch horror movies, but I hate them.”
Business & Professional Settings
- “The sales team is working hard to convince potential clients to sign the deal.”
- “Data-driven presentations can help convince stakeholders of a project’s viability.”
Legal & Political Contexts
- “The lawyer had to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt.”
- “Political leaders often try to convince the public of their policies’ benefits.”
Marketing & Advertising
- “Brands use emotional appeals to convince customers to buy their products.”
- “A good advertisement can convince people that they need something they didn’t even consider before.”
Related Words and Concepts
- Conviction (firm belief or certainty)
- Convincing (adjective form, meaning persuasive or compelling)
- Persuasion (the act of convincing someone)
- Influence (the power to shape opinions or behaviors)
- Coercion (forcing someone to do something, which is different from convincing)
Additional Information
- Etymology: The word “convince” originates from the Latin convincere, meaning “to conquer or overcome.”
- Grammatical Forms:
- Convincing (adjective)
- Convinced (past tense)
- Convincingly (adverb)
- Common Mistake: “Convince” is often confused with “persuade.” While they are similar, “convince” focuses more on changing someone’s belief, whereas “persuade” often involves prompting action.
Disclaimer
This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, language usage evolves, and context plays a crucial role in word meanings. For professional writing or communication, consider consulting a language expert or editor.
