Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Conversion: meaning, definitions and examples

🔄
Add to dictionary

conversion

 

[kənˈvəːʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

finance

The action of converting something from one form, system, or purpose to another.

Synonyms

alteration, change, transformation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conversion

Use 'conversion' when referring to a significant or often complete change of form, function, or beliefs, especially in a technical or religious context.

  • The conversion of the old factory into luxury apartments was stunning.
  • His conversion to Buddhism changed his outlook on life.
transformation

Use 'transformation' to refer to a dramatic and profound change, often implying improvement or enhancement in form or appearance.

  • The transformation of the neighborhood over the last few years has been remarkable.
  • Her transformation after the fitness program was inspiring.
change

Use 'change' as a general term for any instance of becoming different, including both small and large modifications, often in everyday situations.

  • Changing the tires on your car regularly is important for safety.
  • He decided to make a career change after working at the same company for ten years.
alteration

Use 'alteration' when describing a slight or partial change to something, typically in a way that modifies or improves it.

  • She made an alteration to her dress to make it fit better.
  • The alteration in the plan improved its feasibility.

Examples of usage

  • The conversion of dollars into euros.
  • A conversion from traditional banking to online banking is becoming more common.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

The process of changing or causing someone to change their beliefs.

Synonyms

switch, transformation, turning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conversion

Used in a broad sense to describe the process of changing from one form, state, or system to another, often involving a change in function or purpose. Commonly used in technology, religion, and business.

  • The conversion from analog to digital TV broadcasting was completed last year.
  • She experienced a conversion to a new religion.
  • The company is planning a conversion of its logistics system.
transformation

Describes a significant or dramatic change, often implying an improvement or complete alteration. Frequently used in personal development, technology, and nature.

  • The city's transformation over the last decade has been remarkable.
  • The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly is fascinating.
  • Her personal transformation is inspiring.
switch

Implied when talking about changing from one option to another, often in the context of choices or preferences. It sometimes suggests a simpler or quicker change compared to others.

  • I switched from tea to coffee.
  • We should switch to a new software for better productivity.
  • He switched sides during the debate.
turning

Often used in the context of changing direction physically or figuratively. It can also imply a point of change or a moment when something starts to change.

  • The car took a sharp turning.
  • His life took a turning after he moved to the countryside.
  • Turning the page on past mistakes is important for personal growth.

Examples of usage

  • Her conversion to Buddhism brought her a sense of peace.
  • The preacher's powerful sermon led to many conversions in the congregation.
Context #3 | Noun

computing

The process of changing data from one format to another.

Synonyms

formatting, transcoding, transformation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
conversion

This word can also be used in technical settings, particularly when changing the format, system, or unit of something.

  • We need to ensure the correct conversion of these units.
  • The conversion of data from one format to another can be complicated.
transformation

This word is used to describe a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character, commonly in broader contexts like personal development, business strategy, or physical changes.

  • The transformation of the city over the past decade has been remarkable.
  • Her personal transformation was inspiring to everyone around her.
transcoding

Use this term specifically in digital media and technology settings where converting one digital format to another is required, often to ensure compatibility.

  • We need to transcode this video file before uploading it to the website.
  • The software performs real-time transcoding of audio files.
formatting

This term is typically used when talking about arranging or organizing text, documents, or data in a particular style or layout.

  • Make sure the document formatting is consistent throughout.
  • The book's formatting made it easy to read.

Examples of usage

  • File conversion from PDF to Word document.
  • The software allows easy conversion of images to different file types.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'conversion' comes from the Latin 'conversio', which means 'to turn around'.
  • In Latin, 'vertere' means 'to turn', reflecting the core idea of changing states.
  • The term has been used since the 14th century to describe changes in form or state.

Cultural Significance

  • In many religions, 'conversion' often refers to changing one's faith or beliefs, such as converting to Christianity or Islam.
  • Cultural practices around conversion can create community bonds or conflicts, like in historical contexts where conversion was tied to colonialism.
  • The concept also appears in literature and film often, where a character's conversion reflects personal growth or enlightenment.

Psychology

  • Conversion can describe the transformation of an individual's beliefs after significant experiences.
  • The process of conversion is linked to cognitive dissonance, where conflicting beliefs lead a person to change their views.
  • Therapists may utilize conversion techniques to help clients shift negative thoughts into positive, constructive patterns.

Science and Technology

  • In web development, 'conversion' refers to a user completing a desired action online, like making a purchase or signing up.
  • In renewable energy, it describes the process of converting sunlight into usable electricity through solar panels.
  • In chemistry, it's about changing compounds from one form to another, such as converting glucose into energy in cellular respiration.

Economics

  • In finance, conversion refers to changing currency from one type to another, like when you exchange dollars for euros.
  • The conversion of businesses to more sustainable practices is becoming vital in response to environmental concerns.
  • Investment conversion occurs when stocks or bonds are transformed into different financial instruments, offering varied benefits.

Translations

Translations of the word "conversion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conversão

🇮🇳 परिवर्तन

🇩🇪 Umwandlung

🇮🇩 konversi

🇺🇦 конверсія

🇵🇱 konwersja

🇯🇵 変換 (へんかん)

🇫🇷 conversion

🇪🇸 conversión

🇹🇷 dönüşüm

🇰🇷 변환 (변환)

🇸🇦 تحويل

🇨🇿 konverze

🇸🇰 konverzia

🇨🇳 转换 (zhuǎnhuàn)

🇸🇮 pretvorba

🇮🇸 breyting

🇰🇿 аудару

🇬🇪 გარდაქმნა

🇦🇿 çevrilmə

🇲🇽 conversión

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,633, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.