convert

convert — verb

1. to cause something to take a new shape or serve a new purpose; or for something

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to cause something to take a new shape or serve a new purpose; or for something itself to take a different form through such a change

Example

Anjali converted the spare bedroom into a home office for her new job.

convert + noun + into + noun (changing a space)

The old factory was converted into a community art centre with help from local volunteers.

Common collocations
  • convert something into something
  • convert something to something
  • convert from something to something
  • convert waste
  • convert energy
  • convert a room
  • convert a file
Synonyms
  • transform

    implies a more dramatic or complete change, often in appearance or nature

  • modify

    suggests small adjustments rather than a full change of form or purpose

  • adapt

    emphasises making something suitable for a new use without necessarily changing its basic form

Antonyms
  • preserve

    keeping something in its original state instead of changing it

  • maintain

    keeping something as it is rather than converting it

Grammar Patterns

convert + noun + into + noun

convert + noun + to + noun

convert + from + noun + to + noun

noun + converts + into + noun (intransitive)

Usage Note

Often paired with 'into' or 'to' to show the result. The intransitive use ('the sofa converts into a bed') is less common but still frequent in product descriptions.

Common Mistakes

She converted the spare room to became a study.
She converted the spare room into a study.
Use 'into' (not 'to became') after 'convert' when describing the result of a physical change.
The program converts the file from Word to PDF format.
The program converts the file from Word to PDF.
Dropping 'format' makes the sentence more natural; 'convert from X to Y' is sufficient without adding redundant nouns.

2. to start following a different religion, belief system, or viewpoint; or to caus

2.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to start following a different religion, belief system, or viewpoint; or to cause another person to make such a change

Example

Sirin converted to Buddhism after visiting a temple in Kyoto with her grandmother.

convert to [religion] (changing faith)

Harper tried to convert her friends to her new diet plan by sharing recipes.

convert + someone + to + [belief/system]

Common collocations
  • convert to something
  • convert from something
  • convert someone to something
  • convert to Christianity/Islam/Buddhism
  • convert to the cause
  • newly converted
Synonyms
  • change

    more general and less committed — you can change your opinion without fully converting

  • switch

    informal, often used for changing brands or teams rather than deep beliefs

  • proselytise

    formal and specifically means actively trying to convert others, usually in a religious context

Antonyms
  • remain

    staying with one's current beliefs rather than adopting new ones

  • stick with

    informal, meaning to continue holding the same opinion or faith

Grammar Patterns

convert + to + noun

convert + from + noun + to + noun

convert + noun + to + noun

Usage Note

The intransitive form ('She converted to Islam') is far more common in everyday use. The transitive form ('He converted his entire family') often sounds formal or slightly forceful.

Common Mistakes

He converted his religion to Buddhism.
He converted to Buddhism.
You convert to a religion; you do not 'convert your religion.' The verb already includes the idea of personal change.

3. to earn additional points following a primary score in certain sports — such as

3.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to earn additional points following a primary score in certain sports — such as kicking a rugby conversion through the posts, making a free throw in basketball, or finishing a bowling frame with a spare

Example

Jenna converted the free throw with confidence, tying the game with three seconds left.

convert + a + free throw (basketball)

The rugby player converted the try by kicking the ball between the goal posts.

Common collocations
  • convert a try
  • convert a free throw
  • convert a spare
  • convert the extra point
  • convert a penalty shot
  • convert the kick
Synonyms
  • score

    more general — you can score in many ways, not only as extra points after another score

  • sink

    informal, used mainly for basketball free throws or golf putts

  • make

    informal and general — 'make the free throw' or 'make the spare'

Antonyms
  • miss

    failing to score the extra points

  • drop

    informal, especially for dropping a pass or failing to catch in American football context

Grammar Patterns

convert + a + free throw

convert + a + try

convert + a + spare

convert + a + penalty shot

convert + the + extra point

Usage Note

This sense is highly sport-specific. In rugby, a 'conversion' is worth 2 extra points after a try. In American football, it is usually an extra-point kick after a touchdown. In basketball, a 'converted free throw' is a successful shot from the foul line. In bowling, converting a spare means knocking down all remaining pins in the second roll.

Idioms

preach to the converted

idiom

To try to persuade people who already agree with your opinion.

Maya told her team to save energy, but she was preaching to the converted.

Are you preaching to the converted when you explain the benefits of recycling to us?

convert — noun

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words involve making a change, but they differ in scope and depth. 'Convert' usually means changing something's form or purpose while keeping its basic substance — a sofa converts into a bed, a file converts from one format to another. 'Transform' implies a more dramatic, often visible change in appearance or nature, like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. 'Modify' is lighter: small adjustments without changing the core identity, such as modifying a contract or a recipe. 'Adapt' focuses on making something fit a new situation, like adapting a novel for film or adapting to a new climate. 'Alter' is the most general — a simple change that may be minor (alter a dress) or major (alter a building's layout). For everyday objects and systems, 'convert' and 'adapt' are the most practical choices: 'I converted the PDF to Word'; 'We adapted the classroom for online teaching.'

transform ↗modify ↗adapt ↗alter ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • convert something into something
  • convert from something to something
  • a convert to something
  • newly converted

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

From Latin 'convertere', meaning 'to turn around, transform, or change direction'. The prefix 'com-' (together, thoroughly) combined with 'vertere' (to turn) gives the sense of 'turning completely'. It passed into English through Old French 'convertir' during the 13th century, initially carrying religious meanings. By the 14th century it had broadened to include any kind of change in form or function. The modern sports sense — scoring extra points after a main score — appeared in the late 19th century with the codification of rugby and American football rules.