Etymology dictionary

contradistinguish (v.) — convoke (v.)

contradistinguish (v.)

"distinguish by opposite qualities," 1630s; see contra- + distinguish. Related: Contradistinguished; contradistinguishing.

contrail (n.)

"white line of ice crystals behind an airplane in motion," 1945, from condensation trail (1942); see condensation.

contra-indicate (v.)

also contraindicate, "to indicate the contrary of" (a course of treatment, etc.), 1660s, from contra- + indicate. Related: Contraindicated; contraindication (1620s).

contralateral (adj.)

also contra-lateral, "occurring on the opposite side," 1871, from contra- + lateral (adj.).

"voice intermediary between the soprano and the tenor, lowest female voice," 1730, contralt, from Italian contralto, from contra, from Latin contra "against, opposite" (see contra) + alto (see alto). As "person with a contralto voice," 1776; as an adjective, 1769.

contraposition (n.)

"a placing over against, opposite position," 1550s, from Late Latin contrapositionem (nominative contrapositio), noun of action from past-participle stem of contraponere "to place opposite, to oppose to," from contra "against" (see contra (prep., adv.)) + ponere "to put, place" (past participle positus; see position (n.)).

contrapositive (adj.)

"produced by or pertaining to contraposition," 1858 (implied in contrapositively), from Latin contraposit-, past-participle stem of contraponere (see contraposition) + -ive.

contrapposto (n.)

in visual arts, "arrangement of a figure so that the action of the upper body is strongly contrasted with that of the lower," 1903, from Italian contrapposto, past participle of contrapporre, from Latin contraponere "to place opposite, to oppose to" (see contraposition).

contraption (n.)

a slighting word for "a device, a contrivance," 1825, western England dialect, origin obscure, perhaps from con(trive) + trap, or deception.

contrapuntal (adj.)

"pertaining to counterpoint or in accordance with its rules," 1815, with -al (1) + Italian contrapunto "counterpoint," also "backstitch," from contra "against" (see contra (prep., adv.)) + punto "point" (see point (n.)). Musical use is from Medieval Latin cantus contrapunctis. Compare counterpoint. Related: Contrapuntally.

contrary (adj.)

mid-14c., "opposite, opposed, at the opposite point or in the opposite direction; extremely unlike, most unlike," from Anglo-French contrarie, Old French contrarie, and directly from Latin contrarius "opposite, opposed; contrary, reverse," from contra "against" (see contra). Meaning "given to contradiction, perverse, intractable" is from late 14c.; sense of "adverse, unfavorable" is from late 14c. Related: Contrarily.

As a noun from late 13c., "one of a pair of characters, propositions, terms, etc., the most different possible within the same class." The phrase on the contrary "in precise or extreme opposition to what has been said" is attested from c. 1400 as in the contrary.

contrariness (n.)

late 14c., "state of being contrary, opposition, antagonism," from contrary + -ness. Meaning "fondness of opposition, habitual obstinacy" is from 1640s.

contrarian (n.)

"a contradictor, one that is by nature in opposition to prevailing opinions, or the shibboleths of the majority," 1963, from contrary + -ian.

Latin contrarius (adj.) also was used as a noun meaning "an opponent, an antagonist." In English history, contrariant (from French, from Medieval Latin contrariantem) was the name given to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, and the barons who took part with him in the rebellion against Edward II, "because, on account of their great power, it was not expedient to call them rebels or traitors" [Century Dictionary].

contrariety (n.)

c. 1400, "state or quality of being contrary, extreme opposition," from Old French contrarieté, from Late Latin contrarietatem (nominative contrarietas) "opposition," noun of quality from contrarius "opposite, opposed; contrary, reverse," from contra "against" (see contra (prep., adv.)). Meaning "something contrary to or extremely unlike another" is from mid-15c.

contrariwise (adv.)

"on the contrary, on the other hand," mid-15c.; see contrary + wise (n.).

contrast (n.)

1711, "comparison by exhibiting the dissimilar or contrary qualities in the things compared," from contrast (v.). From 1764 as "that which shows striking difference from another when compared to it," also "opposition in respect of certain qualities."

contrast (v.)

1690s, "to set in opposition with a view to show the differences; to stand in opposition or contrast; to set off (each other) by contrast," from French contraster (Old French contrester), modified by or from Italian contrastare "stand out against, strive, contend," from Vulgar Latin *contrastare "to stand opposed to, withstand," from Latin contra "against" (see contra) + stare "to stand," from PIE root *sta- "to stand, make or be firm."

Middle English had contrest "to fight against, to withstand," which became extinct. The modern word is a 17c. re-introduction as a term in fine arts, on the notion of "to exhibit differences or heighten effect by opposition of position, form, color, etc." Related: Contrasted; contrasting; contrastive.

contravene (v.)

1560s, of persons, "to transgress," from French contravenir "to transgress, decline, depart," from Late Latin contravenire "to come against, oppose," in Medieval Latin "to transgress, break (a law)," from Latin contra "against" (see contra (prep., adv.)) + venire "to come" (from PIE root *gwa- "to go, come"). Of actions or things, "come or be in conflict with," 1660s. Related: Contravened; contravening.

contravention (n.)

"act of opposing, antagonizing, or obstructing; act of transgressing or violating," 1570s, from French contravention, from Vulgar Latin *contraventionem, noun of action from past-participle stem of Late Latin contravenire (see contravene).

contretemps (n.)

1680s, "a blunder in fencing," from French contre-temps "motion out of time, unfortunate accident, bad times" (16c.), from contre, an occasional, obsolete variant of contra (prep.) "against" (from Latin contra "against;" see contra (prep., adv.)) + tempus "time" (see temporal (adj.1)).

Meaning "an unfortunate accident, an unexpected or embarrassing event" is from 1802; as "a dispute, disagreement," from 1961. It also was used as a ballet term (1706).

contribute (v.)

1520s, "to give or grant in common with others," from Latin contributus, past participle of contribuere "to bring together, add, unite, collect, contribute" from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + tribuere "to allot, pay" (see tribute). Figurative sense is from 1630s. Related: Contributed; contributing.

contribution (n.)

late 14c., contribucioun, "a levy imposed by a body politic upon a district or population" (for example to pay for military defense in a border region), from Old French contribution "payment" and directly from Late Latin contributionem (nominative contributio) "a dividing, a distributing, a contribution," noun of action from past-participle stem of Latin contribuere "to bring together, add, contribute," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + tribuere "to allot, pay" (see tribute).

Meaning "the act of giving in common with others" is from mid-15c. Sense of "that which is given toward a common end" is from c. 1600. Sense of "a writing for a magazine or journal" is from 1714.

contributor (n.)

also contributer, mid-15c., contributour, "one who pays a tax or assessment," from Anglo-French contributour, from Vulgar Latin *contributorem, agent noun from contribut-, stem of contribuere (see contribute). Meaning "one who gives or grants in common with others" is from 1520s. Related: Contributory (early 15c.).

contrition (n.)

c. 1300, contrycyun, contricioun, "brokenness of spirit for having given offense, deep sorrow for sin or guilt with the purpose of not sinning again," from Old French contriciun "contrition, remorse; a break, breach" (Modern French contrition) and directly from Late Latin contritionem (nominative contritio) "grief, contrition," noun of action from past-participle stem of conterere, literally "to grind" (see contrite). The modern sense is a figurative use in Christianity. The word was sometimes used in Middle English in the literal Latin sense "a crushing" (mid-14c.).

contrite (adj.)

"broken in spirit by a sense of guilt, conscience-stricken and resolved to not sin again," c. 1300, from Old French contrit (12c.) and directly from Latin contritus, literally "worn out, ground to pieces," in Late Latin "penitent," past participle of conterere "to grind," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + terere "to rub" (from PIE root *tere- (1) "to rub, turn").

Used in Church Latin in a figurative sense of "crushed in spirit by a sense of sin." Related: Contritely.

contrivance (n.)

1620s, "a plan or scheme for attaining some end," from contrive + -ance. Meaning "act of contriving" is from 1640s; sense of "the thing contrived, planned, or invented" is from 1660s. Earlier was contrival (c. 1600).

contrive (v.)

early 14c., controve, contreve, "to invent, devise, plan;" late 14c., "to manage by a plan or scheme," from Old French controver (Modern French controuver) "to find out, contrive, imagine," from Late Latin contropare "to compare" (via a figure of speech), from an assimilated form of Latin com "with, together" (see con-) + tropus "song, musical mode," from Greek tropos "figure of speech" (from PIE root *trep- "to turn").

Sense evolution (in French) was from "invent with ingenuity" to "invent falsely." Spelling in English was altered by the same unexplained 15c. sound change that also affected briar, friar, choir. Related: Contrived; contriving.

controlled (adj.)

"held in check, restrained," 1580s, past-participle adjective from control (v.). Of rent, from 1930.

controller (n.)

late 14c., "official in charge of accounts in a king's household," from Anglo-French contrerolleour (late 13c.), Old French contrerelleor (Modern French contrôleur), from Medieval Latin contrarotulator, agent noun from *contra-rotulare (see control (v.)).

Broader sense of "officer who examines accounts and manages finances of a corporation or institution" is from c. 1400. The first syllable was confused with count (v.), Latin comptus (hence comptroller). Mechanical sense "that which governs or restrains" is from 1867.

controllable (adj.)

"capable of being checked or restrained," c. 1600, from control (v.) + -able.

controlling (adj.)

"overbearing," 1570s, present-participle adjective from control (v.). Related: Controllingly.

control (v.)

early 15c., countrollen, "check the accuracy of, verify; regulate," from Anglo-French contreroller "exert authority," from Medieval Latin contrarotulus "a counter, register," from Latin contra "against" (see contra) + rotulus, diminutive of rota "wheel" (see roll (n.)). The word apparently comes from a medieval method of checking accounts by a duplicate register.

The sense of "dominate, direct, exercise control over" is from mid-15c. Related: Controlled; controlling. Control group in scientific experiments is attested from 1952 (from a sense of control attested by 1875).

control (n.)

1580s, "act of keeping under authority and regulation, fact of checking and directing action," from control (v.).

The meaning "a check, restraint" is from 1590s. The meaning "a standard of comparison in scientific experiments" is by 1857, probably from German Controleversuche. Airport control tower is from 1920; control-room is attested by 1897. Control freak "person who feels an obsessive need to have command of any situation" is by 1969.

controverse (v.)

"to dispute, to make (something) the object of controversy," c. 1600, from French controversé, from Latin controversus "turned against" (see controversy).

controversary (adj.)

"pertaining to controversy, disputatious," c. 1600, from stem of Latin controversus "turned against" (see controversy) + -ary.

controversial (adj.)

1610s, "subject to controversy;" 1640s, "turning different ways," from Latin controversus "turned against" (see controversy) + -al (1).

controversial (adj. 1)

1580s, "debatable, disputed," from Late Latin controversialis "pertaining to controversy," from Latin controversia (see controversy). From 1650s as "of or pertaining to controversy."

controversy (n.)

"disputation, debate, prolonged agitation of contrary opinions," late 14c., from Old French controversie "quarrel, disagreement" or directly from Latin controversia "a turning against; contention, quarrel, dispute," from controversus "turned in an opposite direction, disputed, turned against," from contra "against" (see contra (prep., adv.)) + versus "turned toward or against," past participle of vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend").

controvert (v.)

c. 1600, "dispute (something), oppose by argument" (a sense now obsolete); 1610s, "to make the subject of verbal contention, debate, discuss; contend against (someone) in argument," probably a back-formation from controversy. Related: Controverted; controverting; controvertible.

contubernal (n.)

"one who occupies the same tent," 1842, from Latin contubernalis "tent-companion, comrade," noun use of adjective, from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + taberna "hut, tent" (see tavern).

contumely (n.)

"insolent, offensive, abusive speech," late 14c., from Old French contumelie, from Latin contumelia "a reproach, insult," probably derived from contumax "haughty, stubborn, insolent, unyielding," used especially of those who refused to appear in a court of justice in answer to a lawful summons, from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + tumere "to swell up" (from PIE root *teue- "to swell").

contumacious (adj.)

"headstrong, insolent, resisting legitimate authority," c. 1600, from Latin contumaci-, stem of contumax "haughty, insolent, obstinate" (see contumely) + -ous. Related: Contumaciously; contumaciousness.

contumacy (n.)

"willful and persistent resistance to legitimate authority," c. 1200, from Old French contumace and directly from Latin contumacia "perseverance in one's purpose or opinions," generally in a bad sense, "arrogance, inflexibility, haughtiness, insolence," also especially "obstinate disobedience to a judicial order," abstract noun from stem of contumax (see contumely).

contumelious (adj.)

"rude and sarcastic, contemptuous, insolent," early 15c., from Old French contumelieus and directly from Latin contumeliosus "reproachful, insolently abusive," from contumelia "reproach, insult" (see contumely). Related: Contumeliously; contumeliousness.

contusion (n.)

c. 1400, "act of beating or bruising; a bruise, an injury to the body without apparent wound or fracture," from Latin contusionem (nominative contusio) "a crushing, breaking, battering," in medical language, "a bruise," noun of action from past-participle stem of contundere "to beat, bruise, grind, crush, break to pieces," from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + tundere "to beat" (see obtuse).

contusive (adj.)

"apt to cause a contusion, bruising," 1798, from Latin contus-, past participle stem of contundere "to beat, bruise, grind, crush, break to pieces" (see contusion) + -ive.

conus (n.)

1878, "a conical structure or organ," from Latin conus "cone" (see cone). Also the name of the typical genus of the cone-shells.

conundrum (n.)

1590s, an abusive term for a person, perhaps meaning "a pedant;" c. 1600, "a whim;" 1640s, "pun or word-play," a word of unknown origin, said in 17c. to be Oxford University slang. Perhaps the sort of ponderous mock-Latin word that was once the height of humor in learned circles; Skeat suggests Latin conandrum "a thing to be attempted" as the source. Also spelled quonundrum.

From 1745 as "a riddle in which some odd resemblance is proposed between things quite unlike, the answer often involving a pun." (An example from 1745: "Why is a Sash-Window like a Woman in Labour? because 'tis full of Panes").

conurbation (n.)

1915, from con-, assimilated form of Latin com "with, together" (see com-) + urbs "city" (see urban (adj.)) + noun ending -ation. Coined by Scottish biologist and urban planner Patrick Geddes in "Cities in Evolution."

convalesce (v.)

"to grow better after sickness, make progress toward the recovery of health," late 15c., from Latin convalescere "thrive, regain health, begin to grow strong or well," from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + valescere "to begin to grow strong," inchoative of valere "to be strong" (from PIE root *wal- "to be strong"). Only in Caxton and Scottish writers until 19c. Related: Convalesced; convalescing.

convalescence (n.)

"a gradual recovery of strength and health after a sickness," late 15c., from French convalescence (15c.), from Late Latin convalescentia "a regaining of health," from convalescentem (nominative convalescens), present participle of Latin convalescere "thrive, regain health, begin to grow strong or well," from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + valescere "to begin to grow strong," inchoative of valere "to be strong" (from PIE root *wal- "to be strong"). Related: Convalescency.

convalescent (adj.)

"recovering strength and health after sickness," 1650s, from French convalescent, from Latin convalescentem (nominative convalescens), present participle of convalescere "thrive, regain health, begin to grow strong or well," from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + valescere "to begin to grow strong," inchoative of valere "to be strong" (from PIE root *wal- "to be strong").

As a noun, "one who is recovering strength and health after sickness or debility," attested from 1758.

convection (n.)

1620s, "act of carrying or conveying," from Late Latin convectionem (nominative convectio) "the act of carrying, a carrying or bringing together," noun of action from past-participle stem of Latin convehere "to carry together," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vehere "to carry" (from PIE root *wegh- "to go, move, transport in a vehicle").

Specifically of the transference of heat or electricity through change of position of the heated or electrified body (distinguished from conduction) is from 1834. Related: Convective. Convection current recorded from 1868.

convect (v.)

"transport (heat or air) by convection," 1881 (implied in convected), a back-formation from convection. Related: Convecting.

convey (v.)

early 14c., conveien, "to go along with;" late 14c., "to carry, transport;" from Anglo-French conveier, Old French convoiier "to accompany, escort" (Modern French convoyer), from Vulgar Latin *conviare "to accompany on the way," from assimilated form of Latin com "with, together" (see con-) + via "way, road" (from PIE root *wegh- "to go, move, transport in a vehicle").

Meaning "communicate by transmission" is from late 14c. Sense of "act of transferring property from one person to another" is from 1520s. It was a euphemism for "steal" 15c.-17c., which helped broaden its meaning. Related: Conveyed; conveying.

convene (v.)

early 15c., (intransitive) "to come together, meet in the same place," usually for some public purpose, from Old French convenir "to come together; to suit, agree," from Latin convenire "to come together, meet together, assemble; unite, join, combine; agree with, accord; be suitable or proper (to)," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + venire "to come" (from a suffixed form of PIE root *gwa- "to go, come").

Transitive sense of "call together, cause to assemble" is from 1590s. Related: Convened; convener; convening.

convenance (n.)

late 15c., "a covenant or agreement," from French convenance "convention, agreement, convenience," from convenant, present participle of convenir "to come together; join, fit, suit" (see convene). Meaning "conventional propriety" is from 1847.

convenience (n.)

late 14c., "agreement, conformity, resemblance, similarity," also "state or condition of being suitable, adaptation to existing conditions," from Latin convenientia "a meeting together, agreement, harmony," from convenien-, present-participle stem of convenire "to come together, meet together, assemble; unite, join, combine; agree with, accord; be suitable or proper (to)," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + venire "to come" (from a suffixed form of PIE root *gwa- "to go, come").

Meaning "that which gives ease or comfort; a convenient article or appliance" is from 1670s. Sense of "quality of being personally not difficult" is from 1703. Convenience store attested by 1965.

conveniently (adv.)

late 14c., "fittingly, properly, rightly," from convenient + -ly (2). Meaning "in a way that avoids difficulty" is from c. 1500.

convenient (adj.)

late 14c., "fit, suitable, proper; affording accommodation; opportune, favorable," from Latin convenientem (nominative conveniens), present participle of convenire "to come together, meet together, assemble; unite, join, combine; agree with, accord; be suitable or proper (to)," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + venire "to come" (from a suffixed form of PIE root *gwa- "to go, come").

Meaning "personally suitable to ease of action or performance" is from late 15c. Sense of "at hand, easily accessible" (1849) is marked in OED as "Ireland and U.S."

conveniences (n.)

"material appliances or arrangements conducive to personal comfort," 1670s, plural of convenience in the sense "that which gives ease or comfort; a convenient article or appliance."

convenor (n.)

variant of convener (see convene).

convent (n.)

c. 1200, covent, cuvent, "association or community of persons devoted to religious life," from Anglo-French covent, from Old French convent, covent "monastery, religious community," from Latin conventus "assembly," used in Medieval Latin for "religious house," originally past participle of convenire "to come together, meet together, assemble; unite, join, combine; agree with, accord; be suitable or proper (to)," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + venire "to come" (from PIE root *gwa- "to go, come").

Meaning "a house or set of buildings occupied by a community devoted to religious life" is from mid-15c. Not exclusively feminine until 18c. The form with restored Latin -n- emerged early 15c. The Middle English form lingers in London's Covent Garden district (notorious late 18c. for brothels), so called because it had been the garden of a defunct monastery.

Related: Conventual.

conventional (adj.)

late 15c., "of the nature of an agreement," from Late Latin conventionalis "pertaining to convention or agreement," from Latin conventionem (nominative conventio) "a meeting, assembly; agreement," noun of action from past-participle stem of convenire "unite, be suitable, agree, assemble," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + venire "to come" (from PIE root *gwa- "to go, come").

Meaning "of the nature of a formal meeting of delegates" is from 1812, now rare; that of "established by social convention, arising out of custom or usage" is from 1761; sense of "following tradition" is from 1831. Of weapons, "non-nuclear," from 1955. Related: Conventionally.

convention (n.)

early 15c., convencioun, "a formal agreement, covenant, treaty," also "a formal meeting or convention" (of rulers, etc.), also "a private or secret agreement," from Old French convencion "agreement" and directly from Latin conventionem (nominative conventio) "a meeting, assembly; an agreement," noun of action from past-participle stem of convenire "unite, be suitable, agree, assemble," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + venire "to come" (from PIE root *gwa- "to go, come").

Originally of princes, powers, and potentates. In diplomacy, of agreements between states, from mid-15c.; of agreements between opposing military commanders from 1780. Meaning "a formal or recognized assembly of persons for a common objective," especially involving legislation or deliberation, is from mid-16c. Conventions were important in U.S. history and the word is attested in colonial writings from 1720s; in reference to political party nomination meetings by 1817 (originally at the state level; national conventions began to be held in the 1830s).

In the social sense, "general agreement on customs, etc., as embodied in accepted standards or usages," it is attested by 1747 (in a bad sense, implying artificial behavior and repression of natural conduct, by 1847). Hence "rule or practice based on general conduct" (1790).

conventicle (n.)

late 14c., "an assembly or gathering," from Latin conventiculum "a small assembly," diminutive of conventus "assembly," originally past participle of convenire "unite, be suitable, agree, assemble," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + venire "to come" (from PIE root *gwa- "to go, come").

Conventiculum in Church Latin was used of Christian meetings for worship, but in Medieval Latin and later in Middle English the equivalent word took on a pejorative sense, "illicit meeting," of Lollards, malcontents, etc. (late 14c.) and was used disparagingly of a church or religious house; in Protestant England the meaning "a meeting of dissenters for religious worship" dates to 1590s.

conventionality (n.)

1834, "conventional thing or practice;" 1842, "conventional quality or state;" see conventional + -ity. Related: Conventionalities.

conventionalism (n.)

"mere adherence to convention," 1833, from conventional + -ism.

converge (v.)

1690s, "to tend to meet in a point or line," from Late Latin convergere "to incline together" from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vergere "to bend, turn, tend toward" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend"). Related: Converged; converging.

convergence (n.)

"tendency to one point, character or fact of converging," 1713, from converge + -ence. Related: Convergency.

convergent (adj.)

"tending to meet or actually meeting in a point," 1730, from converge + -ent. Convergent evolution was in use among biologists by 1890 (convergence in evolutionary biology dates to 1866).

conversation (n.)

mid-14c., "place where one lives or dwells," also "general course of actions or habits, manner of conducting oneself in the world," both senses now obsolete; from Old French conversacion "behavior, life, way of life, monastic life," and directly from Latin conversationem (nominative conversatio) "frequent use, frequent abode in a place, intercourse, conversation," noun of action from past-participle stem of conversari "to live, dwell, live with, keep company with," passive voice of conversare "to turn about, turn about with," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + versare, frequentative of vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend").

Sense of "informal interchange of thoughts and sentiments by spoken words" is from 1570s. Used as a synonym for "sexual intercourse" from at least late 14c., hence criminal conversation, a legal term for adultery from late 18c. Conversation-piece is from 1712 as "painting representing a group of figures arranged as if in conversation;" 1784 as "subject for conversation, something to talk about."

conversant (adj.)

late 14c., "having frequent or customary intercourse," also "acquainted by familiar use or study," from Old French conversant "familiar" (with), present-participle adjective from converser "to talk" (12c.), from Latin conversari "to live with, keep company with," literally "turn about with," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + versare, frequentative of vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend").

conversational (adj.)

"of, pertaining to, or characteristic of conversation," 1779, from conversation + -al (1).

conversion (n.)

mid-14c., originally of religion, "a radical and complete change in spirit, purpose, and direction of life away from sin and toward love of God," from Old French conversion "change, transformation, entry into religious life; way of life, behavior; dwelling, residence; sexual intercourse," from Latin conversionem (nominative conversio) "a turning round, revolving; alteration, change," noun of action from past-participle stem of convertere "to turn around; to transform," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend").

Sense of "a change from one religion to another" (especially to Christianity) is from c. 1400 in English. General sense of "transformation, a turning or changing from one state to another" is from early 15c. In reference to the use of a building, from 1921. Conversion disorder "hysteria" (attested from 1946 but said to have been coined by Freud) was in DSM-IV (1994). Conversion therapy in reference to homosexuality is by 1979.

conversible (adj.)

"capable of being converted," 1650s, from Late Latin conversibilis, variant of convertibilis (see convertible).

converse (adj.)

"turned about, transposed, reciprocal," 1560s, originally mathematical, from Latin conversus "turned around," past participle of convertere "to turn about, turn around, transform," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend"). From 1794 as "opposite or contrary in direction." Related: Conversely.

converse (v.)

mid-14c., "to move about, live, dwell; live or behave in a certain way" (senses now obsolete), from Old French and French converser "to talk, open communication between," also "to live, dwell, inhabit, reside" (12c.), and directly from Latin conversari "to live, dwell, live with, keep company with," passive voice of conversare, literally "to turn round with," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + versare, frequentative of vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend").

Sense of "to communicate (with)" in English is from 1590s; that of "talk informally with another" is from 1610s. Related: Conversed; conversing.

conversate (v.)

"have conversation," attested by 1888 in literary representations of African-American vernacular, apparently a back-formation from conversation or an elaboration of converse (v.). There is an isolated, jocular use in an English book from 1851.

converse (n.2)

c. 1500, "acquaintance by frequent or customary intercourse," from converse (v.). From 1610s as "conversation, familiar discourse."

converse (n.1)

1550s, originally in mathematics, from converse (adj.). From 1786 as "thing or action that is the exact opposite of another." As an example, Century Dictionary gives "the hollows in a mold in which a medal has been cast are the converse of the parts of the medal in relief." Chaucer has in convers, apparently meaning "on the other side."

conversationalist (n.)

"a talker," especially an agreeable or interesting one, 1836; see conversational + -ist. Conversationist was used from 1806 in the sense "a talker, one addicted to talking."

convert (v.)

c. 1300, "a change or turn from one religion to another," especially to Christianity, from Old French convertir "to turn around, turn towards; change, transform; convert, win over," from Vulgar Latin *convertire, from Latin convertere "turn around, transform," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend").

The Latin verb was glossed in Old English by gecyrren, from cierran "to turn, return." General sense of "change into another form or substance, transmute" is from late 14c. Transitive sense of "turn from one use or destination to another" is from late 15c. Related: Converted; converting.

converter (n.)

1530s, "one who makes converts," agent noun from convert (v.). Meaning "appliance that changes materials from one shape or condition to another" is from 1867.

convertible (adj.)

late 14c., "interchangeable," from Old French convertible "interchangeable" (13c.) and directly from Late Latin convertibilis "changeable," from Latin convertere "to turn around; transform," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vertere "to turn" (from PIE root *wer- (2) "to turn, bend").

Meaning "capable of being changed in form, substance, or condition" is from 1530s. Of paper money, etc., "capable of being converted into gold of a similar amount," from 1834. The noun is recorded from 1610s; meaning "automobile with a fold-down top" is from 1916. Related: Convertibility.

convert (n.)

1560s, "person whose faith has been changed from one religion to another," from convert (v.). Earlier was convers (early 14c.), from Old French converse (n.). General (non-religious) sense of "person converted from one opinion or practice to another" is from 1640s.

convex (adj.)

"curved like a circle or sphere when viewed from outside," 1570s, from French convexe, from Latin convexus "vaulted, arched," past participle of convehere "to bring together," from assimilated form of com "with, together," or "thoroughly" (see com-) + vehere "to bring, carry, convey" (from PIE root *wegh- "to go, move, transport in a vehicle").

Possibly the notion is of vaults "carried together" to meet at the point of a roof. Related: Convexity. Convex lens is from 1822.

conveyance (n.)

mid-15c., conveiaunce, "act of conveying, act of carrying or transporting," from convey + -ance. Meaning "document by which something is legally conveyed" is from 1570s; sense "means of transportation" is attested from 1590s. Related: Conveyancer; conveyancing (n.). The Old French abstract noun was convoiement.

conveyor (n.)

1640s, "one who conveys," agent-noun in Latin form from convey. The form conveyer is earlier (1510s). Sense of "mechanical contrivance for carrying objects" is from 1813. Conveyor-belt is attested from 1868.

conviction (n.)

mid-15c., "the proving or finding of guilt of an offense charged," from Late Latin convictionem (nominative convictio) "proof, refutation," noun of action from past-participle stem of convincere "to overcome decisively," from com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + vincere "to conquer" (from nasalized form of PIE root *weik- (3) "to fight, conquer").

Meaning "mental state of being convinced or fully persuaded" is from 1690s; that of "firm belief, a belief held as proven" is from 1841. In a religious sense, "state of being convinced one has acted in opposition to conscience, admonition of the conscience," from 1670s.

convictions (n.)

"those ideas which one believes to be true," 1830, plural of conviction.

convict (n.)

late 15c., "person proved or found guilty of an alleged offence," from obsolete adjective convict "convicted," from Latin convictus (see convict (v.)). Slang shortening con is from 1893.

convict (v.)

mid-14c., "to convince by arguments, convince of wrongdoing or sin" (a sense now obsolete), from Latin convictus, past participle of convincere "to 'overcome' in argument, to overcome decisively; to convict of crime or error," from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + vincere "to conquer" (from nasalized form of PIE root *weik- (3) "to fight, conquer").

Meaning "prove or find guilty of an offense charged" is from late 14c. It replaced Old English verb oferstælan. Related: Convicted; convicting.

convince (v.)

1520s, "to overcome in argument," from Latin convincere "to overcome decisively," from assimilated form of com-, here perhaps an intensive prefix (see com-), + vincere "to conquer" (from nasalized form of PIE root *weik- (3) "to fight, conquer"). Meaning "to firmly persuade or satisfy by argument or evidence" is from c. 1600. Related: Convinced; convincing; convincingly.

convival (adj.)

1640s, from Latin convivalis "pertaining to a feast or guest," from conviva "a feaster, guest," from convivere (see convivial). It has been replaced in most uses by convivial, which means the same.

convive (n.)

1640s, "a boon companion, one who is convivial," from French convive, from Latin conviva "a guest, a table-companion, one who feasts with others," from convivere "to live together, carouse together" (see convivial). In 19c., also "woman 'who lives in the same house with a number of others' " (1851).

convivial (adj.)

1660s, "pertaining to or of the nature of a feast," from Late Latin convivialis "pertaining to a feast," from Latin convivium "a feast," from convivere "to carouse together, live together," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vivere "to live" (from PIE root *gwei- "to live"). Meaning "sociable" is from 18c. Related: Convivially; conviviality.

convocation (n.)

late 14c., convocacioun, "assembly of persons; the calling or holding of a meeting, assembling by summons," from Old French convocation and directly from Latin convocationem (nominative convocatio) "a convoking, calling, or assembling together," noun of action from past-participle stem of convocare "to call together," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vocare "to call," a verbal derivative of vox "voice" (from PIE root *wekw- "to speak"). Especially "an assembly of the clergy of the Church of England." Related: Convocational.

convocate (v.)

"to convoke, call or summon to meet," 1540s, from Latin convocatus, past participle of convocare "to call together," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vocare "to call," a verbal derivative of vox "voice" (from PIE root *wekw- "to speak").

convoy (n.)

1550s, "the act of guiding or escorting for protection," from obsolete verb convoy "to accompany on the way for protection" (late 14c.), from Old French convoiier, from Vulgar Latin *conviare, literally "go together on the road," from assimilated form of Latin com "with, together" (see con-) + via "way, road" (from PIE root *wegh- "to go, move, transport in a vehicle").

Compare convey. The meaning "an escort, an accompanying and protecting force" is from 1590s; sense transferred by c. 1600 to "train of ships or wagons carrying munitions or provisions in wartime under protection of escort."

convoke (v.)

"to call together, summon to meet," 1590s, from French convoquer (14c.), from Latin convocare "to call together," from assimilated form of com "with, together" (see con-) + vocare "to call," a verbal derivative of vox "voice" (from PIE root *wekw- "to speak"). Related: Convoked; convoking.