rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: con-
Latin

con-

together, with; sometimes thoroughly

Forms

  • con-
  • com- — Used before certain consonants, especially b, p, and m.
  • col- — The final consonant changed before l.
  • cor- — The final consonant changed before r.
  • co- — The final consonant was lost in some combinations.

Origin

From Latin cum, “with,” and an older form com-.

Note

Togetherness could extend to completeness. Not every word containing this prefix retains an obvious “with” meaning.

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verb / noun

convert

kuhn-VURT/kənˈvɜːrt/

To change to another form or system.

The carpenter converts an old wooden shipping crate into a bookcase.

A middle-aged East Asian carpenter transforms an old wooden shipping crate into a bookcase.
Etymology
conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly
+vertLatinturn

The central image is turning something around: Latin used the combination for transformation. A change of religion, form, or use is thus a figurative turn toward a different state or direction.

In context

CrashCourse1:33
I have to convert the biological matter into something my body can work with
Digestive System, Part 1: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #33

More examples

  • This app converts miles to kilometers.
  • We converted the document into a PDF.
  • He converted to Buddhism during college.
  • A recent convert to cycling, she now rides to work.

Forms

convert · converts · converted · converting

conversion noun — A change in form, use, or belief.

Similar words

transform
Emphasizes a substantial change in appearance, form, or character.
change
A broader term that need not involve a new form.