What is convince? Pronunciation and usage in English

convince means . Learn how to pronounce and use convince through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of convince

convinceverb

/kənˈvɪns/
Definition & pronunciation of convince

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "convince." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word "convince" is typically said in two syllables: con-vince

2. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /kəˈvɪns/ (This is the most accurate way to represent the sound)

Let's break that down further:

  • kə - Sounds like "kuh" (a short, unstressed "uh" sound)
  • ˈvɪns - This is the stressed syllable.
    • vɪ – Sounds like "vin" (like the beginning of "vine"). It's a short "i" sound.
    • ns – Sounds like "nns" (a quick, slightly nasal "n" sound).

3. How to Say It Step-by-Step:

  1. Start with a short "uh" sound: Like the "a" in "about."
  2. Add a "v" sound: Say "vin".
  3. Quickly add "ns": Pronounce “nns” (don’t linger on the “n”).

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "con-vins": Many people incorrectly pronounce it with a strong "con" sound. The "con" is followed almost immediately by the "v."
  • The “nns” sound is key: This is where a lot of learners stumble. Make sure you're giving that "n" a little bit of a nasal quality – it’s not just a hard "n."
  • Stress the Second Syllable: The emphasis is on the second syllable (vince).

5. Listen to Examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it spoken:

  • Google: Search for "how to pronounce convince" on Google. You’ll find audio examples from Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, and other reliable sources.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/convince/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce a word in different accents.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?
  • Are there any specific parts of the pronunciation that you find particularly difficult (e.g., the "nns" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word convince in English

Let's break down how to use the word "convince" in English. It's a very versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a detailed explanation, broken down into different ways you can use it:

1. The Core Meaning: To persuade someone to believe something

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. "Convince" means to cause someone to believe something is true, often through arguments, evidence, or reasoning.
  • Structure: Convince + (object) + (that/to believe)
  • Examples:
    • "I tried to convince my brother that I was telling the truth." (Focus on belief)
    • "The evidence convinced the jury of his guilt." (Focus on establishing truth)
    • "She needed to convince him to believe in her plan." (More direct instruction)

2. Convincing (as an adjective – describing something persuasive)

  • Definition: “Convincing” describes something that is powerful enough to make someone believe something.
  • Examples:
    • "The lawyer presented a convincing argument." (The argument was persuasive.)
    • "She gave a convincing performance." (Her acting was believable and effective.)
    • “The statistics were convincing enough to change his mind." (The statistics were persuasive.)

3. Convince Someone of Something (as a phrasal verb)

  • Definition: This is a common, idiomatic expression. It means to persuade someone of something. It's often more informal than the first definition.
  • Structure: Convince someone + (of) + (something)
  • Examples:
    • "I couldn’t convince him of the dangers of smoking." (Couldn't persuade him.)
    • "She managed to convince her parents of her need for a new car." (Persuaded them.)
    • “I tried to convince her to go with us, but she refused.” (Tried to persuade.)

4. Convince Yourself (to believe something about yourself)

  • Definition: This means to persuade yourself to accept something as true, even if you're not entirely sure.
  • Structure: Convince yourself + (that)
  • Examples:
    • "I convinced myself that I was ready for the challenge." (I persuaded myself.)
    • "It's hard to convince yourself that you’re completely alone." (It’s a difficult mental persuasion.)

Key Synonyms & Related Words:

  • Persuade: Very close in meaning to "convince."
  • Influence: To affect someone's thoughts, feelings, or actions.
  • Induce: To cause something to happen.
  • Demonstrate: To prove something by showing it.
  • Prove: To show something to be true.

Tips for using "convince" correctly:

  • Think about what you're trying to make someone believe. Are you trying to change their belief, or simply show them something is true?
  • Pay attention to the structure. The word often appears with “that,” “to believe,” or “of.”
  • Consider the level of formality. "Convince someone" is often more informal.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of sentence are you trying to write? (e.g., a formal essay, a casual conversation, a story?)
  • Can you provide an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word convince

Practice with vocabulary convince

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sales team worked hard to _______ hesitant clients of the product's long-term benefits.
  2. After reviewing all the data, the committee decided to _______ the findings and proceed with the proposed plan.
  3. It took considerable effort to _______ the board members that the ambitious project was financially viable.
  4. Her eloquent presentation managed to _______ a sense of urgency among the stakeholders regarding the environmental crisis.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  • There may be multiple correct answers for each question.

  1. The defense attorney presented overwhelming evidence to _______ the jury of his client's innocence. A) dissuade B) inform C) convince D) argue E) persuade

  2. The CEO's subtle remarks were intended to _______ the employees that significant changes were imminent, without causing panic. A) imply B) assert C) compel D) convince E) suggest

  3. Despite initial skepticism, Dr. Ramirez managed to _______ her colleagues of the revolutionary potential of her research findings. A) impress B) compel C) convince D) assure E) sway

  4. Before making a final decision, the project manager asked the team to _______ the potential risks associated with the new software deployment. A) mitigate B) evaluate C) disclose D) analyze E) interpret

  5. It was difficult to _______ him to reconsider his resignation, given his firm stance on the matter. A) oblige B) persuade C) force D) convince E) encourage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His comprehensive report made the investors believe in the project's profitability.

    • Rewrite the sentence starting with "His comprehensive report..." and using a form of "convince".

  2. The union leaders attempted to make the management agree to their demands for better working conditions.

    • Rewrite the sentence starting with "The union leaders attempted to..." and using a form of "convince".

  3. The board members finally gave in to the idea of expanding into new markets after a lengthy discussion.

    • Rewrite the sentence and do NOT use "convince" or any related word forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. convince
  2. endorse
  3. convince
  4. instill

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) convince, E) persuade
  2. A) imply, E) suggest
  3. C) convince, E) sway
  4. B) evaluate, D) analyze
  5. B) persuade, D) convince

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His comprehensive report convinced the investors of the project's profitability.
  2. The union leaders attempted to convince the management to agree to their demands for better working conditions.
  3. The board members were finally persuaded to expand into new markets after a lengthy discussion.

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