In the dictionary, the words "convert" and "transform" both have the meaning of changing the form of something. So how should I distinguish them? In what situation they are of the same meaning, and in what situation they are different?
Learn English – Difference between “convert” and “transform”
differenceslanguage-formation
Related Topic
- Learn English – the difference between “blurry” and “blurred”
- Learn English – Difference between “aim” and “purpose”
- Learn English – What’s the difference between ‘perhaps’ and ‘maybe’
- Learn English – the difference between ‘finished’ and ‘completed’
- Learn English – The difference between superior and upper in medical terminology
- Learn English – the difference between fervor and ardor
Best Answer
As stated previously, the electrical example, though different from most usage, makes an easier case for distinction. A transformer only changes one attribute, so that the result is the same basic type, but of a different capacity or intensity (voltage for example). A converter, on the other hand makes the resulting object different in type from then initial condition, for example changing alternating current to direct current. If we could apply this in general, then most of us would be in error in our usage of the two words. Convert would mean something's natural attributes were changed, transform would mean the the size, shape, color, or some other attribute was changed, but the root nature of the item (or attitude or belief) was not changed.