convert

Where does the word "convert" come from? It comes from Latin convertere, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Convert’s story begins in Latin: convertere meant “to turn completely, to transform.” To turn completely, to transform, from com- (thoroughly) and vertere (to turn). It reached English by 1300s as convert. Settled as the English word for changing something into a different form. Today, convert means to change something from one form, use, or belief into another.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient convertere "to turn completely, to transform", to turn completely, to transform, from com- (thoroughly) and vertere (to turn).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s convert "to change something into a different form", settled as the English word for changing something into a different form.