conversion
UK[kənˈvɜːʃn]US[kənˈvɜːrʒn]
n
The process of changing or causing something to change from one form, purpose, or system to another.
n
The fact of changing one's religion or beliefs or the process of persuading someone else to change theirs.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
vers
ion
con
together
vers
turn
ion
noun suffix
Etymology
The word "conversion" has a clear lineage from the Latin conversio, which stems from the verb convertere, meaning "to turn around, transform." This verb itself is a compound of the prefix con- (thoroughly, together) and vertere (to turn). The core logic of turning or changing direction was applied metaphorically in Late Latin to signify a change in religious faith. Entering English via Old French in the 14th century, the term broadened to encompass any process of thorough transformation from one state, form, or function to another, perfectly preserving the original sense of a decisive "turning."
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + vers (turn) + ion (noun suffix)
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "together, with".
- vers: A root from the Latin verb vertere, meaning "to turn".
- ion: A Latin-derived noun-forming suffix indicating an action or process.
Examples
The conversion of the old warehouse into modern apartments is nearly complete.
His conversion to Buddhism happened after a long period of study and reflection.
The software handles the file conversion from PDF to Word seamlessly.