Convert Meaning
Convert Definition & Usage
To change something into a different form or use.
Examples
- "She decided to convert her garage into a small studio."
- "The company plans to convert the old factory into apartments."
- "He converted his traditional car to run on electricity."
- "They are looking for ways to convert waste into energy."
- "She converted her salary from pounds to dollars before making the purchase."
To change one's beliefs, faith, or ideology.
Examples
- "He converted to Christianity after years of studying different religions."
- "Many people converted to Buddhism after attending a retreat."
- "She converted from a socialist to a more liberal viewpoint after years of experience."
- "His conversion to environmentalism changed the way he lived."
- "The preacher helped several people convert to the faith during the mission trip."
To change data or a file from one format to another.
Examples
- "You can convert the file from .pdf to .doc using this software."
- "The app allows you to convert your photos into black-and-white images."
- "She converted the video into a different format for her presentation."
- "You need to convert your documents into a .csv file for the analysis tool."
- "He converted the website's code from HTML to XHTML for better compatibility."
Cultural Context
The word 'convert' comes from the Latin 'convertere,' meaning 'to turn around' or 'to change.' It has been in use in English since the 14th century. Over time, its meaning has expanded to cover a variety of contexts, from changing physical objects to adopting new beliefs or ideologies. It is a common term in both everyday and specialized language, including religion, technology, and business.
The Conversion of Tom Adams
Story
The Conversion of Tom Adams
Tom Adams had always considered himself a staunch realist. He worked as an architect, believing that buildings should serve practical purposes and nothing more. But one day, everything changed when he was assigned to design a new type of eco-friendly home for a cutting-edge environmental project. His assignment was to convert an old warehouse into a space that could generate its own energy, a place that would use sustainable resources while also preserving its historical charm. As he stood in the middle of the warehouse, staring at the dull concrete walls and rusted beams, Tom felt like he was facing a huge challenge. But as the project progressed, something inside him started to shift. He began researching alternative energy sources, learning how to convert solar energy into electricity, and incorporating green technologies into his designs. One evening, while presenting his updated plans to a group of investors, Tom mentioned how the building's energy system could convert excess energy into usable power during the night. He used the word 'convert' in a technical sense, referring to the process of changing solar energy into a different form of usable energy. But it wasn't just his professional skills that were changing. Tom also found himself drawn to new ideas, even spiritually. He had been raised with no particular religious affiliation, but one day, after reading about different philosophies, he felt compelled to attend a local meditation retreat. There, he had his own spiritual conversion, adopting a new worldview focused on mindfulness and simplicity. As the months passed, Tom’s personal and professional transformations became intertwined. He had converted an old building into a sustainable marvel, but more importantly, he had converted himself into someone who saw the world differently. His journey was a reflection of the power of conversion, both in the material and spiritual sense. Tom’s story serves as a reminder that conversion isn’t always about abandoning one belief or system in favor of another, but about finding ways to adapt, improve, and grow.