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proselytize — to convert or attempt to convert someone from one religion, belief, or opinion to another

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to convert or attempt to convert someone from one religion, belief, or opinion to another

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈprɑːsəlaɪtaɪz/

Example Sentences

  • My neighbor keeps trying to proselytize me with pamphlets about his UFO cult.
  • The gym trainer seemed more interested in proselytizing about veganism than teaching proper form.
  • She refused to proselytize, believing that people should find their own path to spirituality.

proselytize

VERB

[/ˈprɑːsəlaɪtaɪz/]

to convert or attempt to convert someone from one religion, belief, or opinion to another

a enthusiastic missionary holds an open religious book while speaking passionately to a curious passerby. The missionary gestures toward the book's pages with animated expressions and pointing motions. The listener's face shows growing interest as they lean in closer to hear more. Their body language shifts from casual walking to engaged standing and nodding. Other park visitors in the background notice the intense conversation taking place. Some people gather nearby while others walk past observing the interaction. someone attempting to convert another person from one belief system to another
💡 Concept

a enthusiastic missionary holds an open religious book while speaking passionately to a curious passerby. The missionary gestures toward the book's pages with animated expressions and pointing motions. The listener's face shows growing interest as they lean in closer to hear more. Their body language shifts from casual walking to engaged standing and nodding. Other park visitors in the background notice the intense conversation taking place. Some people gather nearby while others walk past observing the interaction. someone attempting to convert another person from one belief system to another

Pros sell ties to convert everyone - aggressively persuasive proselytizing!
🧠 Mnemonic

Pros sell ties to convert everyone - aggressively persuasive proselytizing!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈprɑːsəlaɪtaɪz/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈprɒsəlɪtaɪz/

🌳Etymology

Rootproselyt
Suffix--ize

Origin

From Greek 'prosēlytos' meaning 'newcomer' or 'convert,' originally referring to gentiles who converted to Judaism. The word later expanded to mean any religious conversion activity.

Breakdown

pros- (toward/in addition to) + -ēlytos (one who has come) + -ize (verb suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to do')

🎵Rhyme

evangelizecrystallizemetabolize
evangelize
crystallize
metabolize

🔗Collocations

proselytize actively
proselytize for a cause
attempt to proselytize
proselytize converts
proselytize door-to-door

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My neighbor keeps trying to proselytize me with pamphlets about his UFO cult.”

😄 Fun example

“The gym trainer seemed more interested in proselytizing about veganism than teaching proper form.”

“She refused to proselytize, believing that people should find their own path to spirituality.”

“The company seemed to proselytize its corporate culture to new employees with almost religious fervor.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

convertevangelizepreachindoctrinatepersuade

Antonyms

discouragedissuade

Related

missionaryconvertevangelismpropagandarecruitment

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