Stephen Hogan

Dr. Moretti
ENG120-F15
November 19, 2015
Word Study: Convince
The word convince can be defined, as a verb, as "to overcome, conquer, vanquish" or at
certain times as "to cause (a person) to admit, as established to his satisfaction, that which is
advanced in argument; to bring to acknowledge the truth of; to satisfy or persuade by argument
or evidence." This word, convince, is derived from the Latin term convincere. This Latin word is
comprised of the prefix con, meaning altogether or wholly and the suffix vincere meaning to
conquer. Over the years this word has carried the same meaning of persuading one and
vanquishing their initial belief, however, it has become a common occurrence in modern politics.
With politicians racing for that spot of power in the White House, the whole race consists of
talking and convincing the people to vote them into power. When they convince they use many
forms though, both to persuade and conquer all other oppositions they lie and stretch or falsify
information to rally people to their side and their cause. In the end convincing people is what we
do everyday from convincing ourselves to get out of bed on time for class to convincing
ourselves that the essay we have do next week should be started, even if most people don't go for
that one.