convincing
UK: kənˈvɪnsɪŋ | US: kənˈvɪnsɪŋ
adj. capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or valid
adj. persuasive or compelling in nature
convincing = con<together, thoroughly> + vinc<conquer> + ing<adjective suffix>
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "together" or "thoroughly," intensifying the action of the root.
- vinc: Derived from Latin vincere ("to conquer" or "to overcome"), implying dominance in argument or proof.
- ing: A suffix forming present participles or adjectives, indicating a quality or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "convincing" originates from Latin convincere ("to overcome decisively" or "to prove wrong"), combining con- (thoroughly) and vincere (to conquer). Over time, it evolved in English to mean "to persuade by argument or evidence," reflecting the idea of intellectually "conquering" doubt. The suffix -ing turns the verb into an adjective, describing something that achieves this persuasive effect.
Her argument was so convincing that everyone agreed with her.
The lawyer presented convincing evidence to the jury.
He gave a convincing performance in the play.
The data provides convincing support for the theory.
A convincing smile can often win people over.