OpenEtymology

convinced

UKkənˈvɪnstUSkənˈvɪnst

Meaning

1adj

completely certain about something

2adj

persuaded to do something or to behave in a particular way

Structure

word structure
1
con
intensive
+
2
vince
conquer
+
3
ed
adjective suffix

Usage

i am convinced that she is telling the truth.

he was finally convinced to try the new restaurant.

she gave a convinced nod after hearing the detailed explanation.

Etymology

the word 'convinced' originates from the latin verb 'convincere', which is a compound of the intensive prefix 'con-' and the verb 'vincere', meaning 'to conquer'. the literal sense was 'to overcome decisively in argument or proof', thus conquering doubt. as the term evolved through french and into english, the focus shifted from the act of overpowering to the resulting state of being fully persuaded or certain. the '-ed' suffix then grammaticalizes this state, turning the past action into a descriptive adjective for a person's firm belief.

Analysis

Structure
con (intensive) + vince (conquer) + ed (adjective suffix)=conintensive+vinceconquer+edadjective suffix

con- (latin origin, an intensive prefix meaning 'altogether' or 'thoroughly'); -vince- (latin origin, from the root 'vincere' meaning 'to conquer' or 'to overcome'); -ed (old english origin, a suffix forming adjectives from past participles of verbs, indicating a state or condition).

Convinced Meaning & Word Parts (con + vince + ed) | OpenEtymology