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.

102 / 108

adjective

convinced

Certain that something is true.

I am convinced that we have the right address.

Etymology

conLatintogether, with; sometimes thoroughly

+vincLatinconquer, overcome, or prevail

+edEnglishhaving a feature or being in a resulting state

Latin con- and vincere express thoroughly overcoming. Convinced describes someone whose doubt or resistance has been overcome by reasons or evidence, leaving a settled belief.

More examples

She remains convinced of his innocence.
Are you convinced that this plan will work?
Even after the explanation, he is not convinced.

Forms

convinced

convince verb — To make someone believe something is true.

unconvinced adjective — Not certain that something is true.

Similar words

certain: Expresses firm belief without implying that persuasion took place.
sure: More conversational and often used for everyday confidence.