convert
UK[kənˈvɜːt]US[kənˈvɜːrt]
v
To change or make something change from one form, purpose, system, or belief to another.
n
A person who has been persuaded to change their religious faith, political beliefs, or way of life.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
vert
con
together, with, thoroughly.
vert
to turn.
Etymology
The word "convert" has a clear and logical journey from its Latin roots to its modern meanings. It derives from the Latin verb convertere, which is a compound of the prefix con- (meaning "together" or "thoroughly") and the verb vertere (meaning "to turn"). The literal sense was "to turn around," "to transform," or "to change thoroughly." This core idea of a thorough change was adopted into Middle English via Old French convertir. Over time, the physical sense of turning expanded into the more abstract domains of changing beliefs, systems, or forms, giving us the modern verb and noun.
Analysis
Structure: con + vert
- con: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "together, with, thoroughly."
- vert: Latin origin, from the root vertere, meaning "to turn."
Examples
They plan to convert the old warehouse into modern apartments.
She decided to convert to Buddhism after years of study.
He was a recent convert to the cause and argued for it passionately.