convince

Everyday

1. To convince someone is to make them believe that something is true. tree →
2. To convince someone to do something is to persuade them to do it. tree →
3. Convinced (adjective) means completely sure. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, characters try to convince others with arguments, proof or tricks; in persuasive writing at school you try to convince the reader. In safety lessons: strangers and scammers may try to convince you to share passwords or go somewhere — stop and tell an adult. Phrases: «convince someone of something», «convince someone to do», «I'm convinced that», «not convinced».

Examples

• I convinced Mum that I had finished my homework. tree →
• She convinced her brother to share his sweets. tree →
• The detective was convinced the butler was lying. tree →
• Write a letter to convince the head teacher to have a longer break. tree →
• The scientist showed the photos to convince people the comet was real. tree →
• Don't let anyone convince you to keep a secret that makes you feel unsafe. tree →
• I'm not convinced this answer is right; let's check it. tree →
• His wife did all she could to convince him she was extremely glad of his speedy return. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Adjective: convincing (a convincing excuse = easy to believe); unconvincing is the opposite. Noun: conviction (strong belief; also, in law, being found guilty). Convince is mostly about belief; persuade is mostly about action, but they overlap.