conversion
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /kənvˈɜːʃən/
US
- /kənˈvɜrʒən/
Description
- change
- transform
- turn into
- exchange
- switch
Conversion is all about changing from one thing to another—turning it into a new form, use, or system. You might convert your attic into a spare bedroom, or convert your dollars into euros for a trip abroad. Sometimes it’s a big change, and sometimes it’s simply making things match, like converting ounces to grams in a recipe. The context matters: in religion, it can mean adopting new beliefs. In marketing, a "conversion" is the moment a visitor takes the action you want—signing up, clicking "buy," or becoming a paying customer.
Conversion describes the process of changing something from one form, state, format, or purpose to another. Sometimes it’s a major shift in use or belief, and sometimes it’s a practical change so things can work together. You see conversion in many different fields. An engineer might convert solar energy into electricity. A religious leader may speak of conversions when people adopt a new faith and way of life. In the digital world, the "conversion rate" is a vital metric for businesses; it measures how effectively a website turns visitors into buyers. If 100 people visit your online store and 5 make a purchase, your conversion rate is 5%.
Conversion isn't only about numbers or belief. It can refer to adapting a physical space for a new use, such as the conversion of an old warehouse into modern lofts. It also shows up in technology: you can convert a file into a different format, or convert a sound signal from analog to digital. In science and manufacturing, conversion can mean how much of something has been changed into something else (for example, how much of a raw material has become a finished product).
There’s even a legal meaning: in law, conversion is the wrongful taking or control of someone else’s property. The word comes from the Latin convertere, meaning "to turn around." So, whether you are switching currencies, changing your mind, or giving an old building a new life, you are experiencing the power of conversion.
Examples
- 1
Currency exchange
The bank charges a small fee for currency conversion.
- 2
File formats
The software supports conversion from PDF to Word.
Pattern
conversion from X to Y
changing something from one form into another
- 3
Home renovation
They added a bathroom during the loft conversion.
Phrase
loft conversion
changing the space under a roof into a room
- 4
Online sales
Small changes to the checkout page improved our conversion rate.
Domain
conversion rate
the percentage of visitors who buy, sign up, or do another desired action
- 5
Religion
His conversion to Islam happened while he was at university.
Pattern
conversion to + religion
the act of starting to follow that religion
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- conversionnoun
Forms
- conversionspluralnoun