Win over Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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win over

[wɪn ˈoʊvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a competition

To defeat someone in a competition or contest, especially after a struggle or effort.

Synonyms

defeat, prevail against, triumph over.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
win over	Used when convincing someone to support or agree with you, often in personal interactions or debates. She managed to win over her colleagues with her convincing argument. His charm and honesty helped him win over the skeptical audience.
defeat	Used in the context of competitive situations such as sports, battles, or games where one party overcomes another. The team worked hard to defeat their opponents in the final match. The army was able to defeat the enemy after a long and hard-fought battle.
triumph over	Used to describe a significant and often celebrated victory or success, generally implies overcoming great challenges. The underdog team triumphed over the defending champions in an unexpected victory. Her hard work and determination allowed her to triumph over adversity.
prevail against	Used when overcoming significant difficulties, obstacles, or adversaries often in formal or literary contexts. Despite all odds, the heroes managed to prevail against the dark forces. She had to prevail against many barriers to achieve her dreams.

Examples of usage

She managed to win over her opponent in the final round.
The underdog team was able to win over the defending champions.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to persuade

To persuade someone to support or agree with you, often by making an effort or showing charm.

Synonyms

charm, convince, persuade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
win over	Used when you want to gain someone's support or cooperation, often after they were initially against you. She managed to win over his skeptical parents with her honesty and kindness The candidate's heartfelt speech won over many undecided voters
persuade	Used when you want to encourage someone to do something or adopt a specific viewpoint, often through argument or appeal. They persuaded him to participate in the marathon despite his initial reluctance The advertisement was designed to persuade people to buy the new product
convince	Used when you want to make someone believe or accept something as true, often through logical reasoning or evidence. After presenting all the data, he finally convinced the board to fund the new project She convinced her friend to travel with her by showing photos of the beautiful destination
charm	Used when you want to attract or delight someone through your personality or behavior, often implying a personal, sometimes romantic, fascination. He charmed the audience with his witty remarks and charismatic presence She used her natural charm to make new friends quickly

Examples of usage

The politician was able to win over the voters with his promises.
She tried to win over her boss by working extra hard.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that people are more likely to be won over by those who express understanding and empathy.
The principle of reciprocity in social psychology suggests that when you are nice to someone, they feel inclined to be nice back.
Building rapport and trust are crucial aspects of winning someone over, often taking time and effort.

Pop Culture

In movies, characters often win others over with grand gestures, showcasing the dramatic tension of relationships.
Songs frequently explore themes of winning over a lover, illustrating the emotional struggles involved.
Reality TV often features contestants trying to win over the audience and judges, reflecting the competitive nature of acceptance.

Literature

In classic literature, protagonists often use persuasion to win over characters, which adds depth to their journeys.
Shakespeare’s plays exemplify characters who 'win over' others through clever language and charm.
Modern novels frequently depict characters developing relationships by gradually winning each other's trust and favor.

Cultural Perspectives

In many cultures, winning someone over involves demonstrating respect and patience, reflecting social values.
Different cultures have varied customs on gift-giving as a means to win over others, showcasing generosity.
In some traditions, storytelling is used as a powerful tool to win people over, creating connections through shared narratives.

Origin of 'win over'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'win over' comes from the Old English word 'winnan', meaning to strive or gain.
Historically, the verb 'win' evolved from meaning 'to gain' to include the idea of winning affection or support.
The concept of 'winning' also relates to conquering or achieving, reflecting both literal and figurative senses.

The phrase 'win over' has its origins in the concept of achieving victory or success in a particular situation. The use of 'win' implies achieving a positive outcome, while 'over' suggests overcoming obstacles or resistance. The expression has been commonly used in both competitive and persuasive contexts, highlighting the idea of triumph and persuasion. Over time, 'win over' has become a popular phrase to describe both conquering opponents in a competition and persuading others to support one's viewpoint.