convince
HighNeutral, used in both formal and informal contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To cause someone to believe firmly in the truth or existence of something.
To persuade someone to do something by making them see good reasons or by making them feel certain.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
'Convince' focuses on changing belief or opinion, while 'persuade' focuses on prompting action. In modern usage, especially in American English, 'convince to + infinitive' (e.g., convince someone to go) is common, though some prescriptivists prefer 'persuade to' for actions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the traditional pattern 'convince someone of something' or 'convince someone that...' is strongly preferred. The construction 'convince someone to do something' is less traditional but increasingly accepted. In American English, 'convince to + infinitive' is very common and standard.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in British English when used with 'of' or 'that'. The American 'convince to' is perceived as more direct and pragmatic.
Frequency
Both 'convince' and 'persuade' are high-frequency words in both varieties. 'Convince to' is significantly more frequent in AmE corpus data.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
convince [somebody] (of something)convince [somebody] (that)...convince [somebody] to do something (esp. AmE)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Beyond a shadow of a doubt (related concept)”
- “Win someone over (related action)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We need to convince the investors of the project's viability."
Academic
"The data failed to convince the panel of the hypothesis."
Everyday
"I'm trying to convince my parents to let me go to the festival."
Technical
Not typically a domain-specific term; used generally in argumentation and rhetoric.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The evidence convinced the court of his innocence.
- I cannot convince her that it's a good idea.
American English
- She convinced her boss to give her a raise.
- The advertisement convinced me to buy the product.
adverb
British English
- He argued convincingly in favour of the change.
American English
- She spoke convincingly about the benefits of the plan.
adjective
British English
- He offered a convincing argument for the new policy.
American English
- Her performance was convincing enough to win the award.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend convinced me to see the film.
- I am convinced he is a good person.
- The salesperson tried to convince us to buy the more expensive model.
- Nothing could convince her to change her mind.
- After reviewing the report, I became convinced of the need for urgent reform.
- Her testimony was crucial in convincing the committee of the project's merits.
- The lawyer's eloquent summation finally convinced the jury of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Despite initial scepticism, the researcher's meticulously gathered data convinced her peers in the academic community.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CON + VINCE (like 'victory'). You bring someone over to your side to achieve a victory of belief.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELIEF IS AN OBJECT POSSESSED (She *gave* me *no* convincing reason). ARGUMENT IS WAR (He *won* the debate and convinced everyone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of Russian 'убеждать сделать что-то' using 'convince to do'. While understood, 'persuade to do' or the structure 'convince someone that they should do...' is sometimes closer to traditional Russian usage. Confusion with 'convert' (обращать).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'convince' without an object (incorrect: 'He tried to convince.'). Incorrect: 'I am convinced about his honesty' (use 'of' or 'that'). Overusing 'convince' where 'persuade' (for action) or 'assure' (for removing doubt) might be more precise.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is traditionally considered the *less* preferred construction in formal British English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, 'convince' relates to belief ('convince someone that something is true'), while 'persuade' relates to action ('persuade someone to do something'). In modern usage, especially American English, this distinction is often blurred, and 'convince to' is widely accepted.
Yes, very commonly. For example: 'I was convinced by his argument.' or 'She remained unconvinced by their promises.'
Yes, but it is very rare. The more common adjective is 'convincing' (able to convince others) or phrases like 'easily convinced'.
Use 'fail to convince' or 'unconvinced'. Example: 'His explanation failed to convince me.' or 'I am unconvinced by that theory.'
Collections
Part of a collection
Media and Communication
B1 · 50 words · Language for discussing media and communication.
Debate Vocabulary
B2 · 48 words · Language for constructing arguments and discussions.