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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noun

conviction

A firmly held belief or strong certainty that something is true.

She speaks with conviction about the project.

Etymology

conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly

+victLatinconquer, overcome, or prevail

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Latin con- and vincere express thoroughly overcoming. In a firm belief, doubt or resistance has been overcome, leaving the person with strong certainty about the matter.

More examples

His religious convictions shaped his choices.
They shared a conviction that change was possible.
He lacked conviction in his own argument.

Forms

conviction · convictions

convinced adjective — firmly believing something

Similar words

belief: Something accepted as true.
certainty: Freedom from doubt.