convince
gb/kənvˈɪns/ us/kənvˈɪns/
B1
English
~ 2200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Persuade someone to believe or act
To make someone believe something is true or agree to do it.
Usage pattern:
to convince [someone] [that/to do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'convince' with 'persuade'. Use 'convince' with 'that' for beliefs and 'to' for actions, e.g., 'convince him that it is safe' vs. 'convince him to try it'.
Synonyms
persuade (Very close in meaning; 'persuade' often focuses more on influencing action, while 'convince' can also focus on belief.)
Antonyms
dissuade (Means to persuade someone not to do something, the opposite of convincing them to do it.)
Collocations
convince someone to
|convince someone that
|try to convince
Themes
communication
|emotions
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She convinced him to apply for the job.
- I finally convinced my parents that moving was the best choice.
- The lawyer convinced the jury of his client's innocence.
- They convinced me to join their hiking trip.
Learner examples
- He convinced me to go to the party.
- My friend convinced me that the book was good.
- She convinced her mother to let her travel.
- The teacher convinced the students to study more.
Grammar
Dictionary form
convince
IPA
GB/kənvˈɪns/
US/kənvˈɪns/
Syllables & stress
con - vince (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (vince)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: convince
- 3rd Person Singular: convinces
- Present Participle: convincing
- Past: convinced
Word family
Forms
Core family
convincingly
adverb
Related words
conviction
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unconvincing
adjective B2
unconvincingly
adverb C1
Expressions
convince someone otherwise
1/kənvˈɪns sˈʌmwˌʌn ˈʌðɚwˌaɪz/
fixed phrase
Persuade someone of the opposite
To make someone believe the opposite of what they thought before.
Examples
- I thought it was impossible, but she convinced me otherwise.
- He tried to convince them otherwise, but they refused to listen.
convince yourself
1/kənvˈɪns jʊɹsˈɛlf/
fixed phrase
Make yourself believe something
To make yourself believe something is true, often by thinking about it a lot.
Examples
- She convinced herself that everything would be fine.
- You can convince yourself that you made the right choice.