convert from (something) (in)to (something)

1. To leave one religion in order to follow another. I converted from Catholicism to Judaism in preparation for my wedding. I'm not ready to convert from Buddhism to Catholicism, even though my serious girlfriend is Catholic. A: "Weren't you raised Catholic?" B: "Yeah, but I converted from Catholicism to Hinduism after studying yoga extensively in India."

2. To cause someone to leave one religion in order to follow another. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "convert" and "from." Everyone thinks Mandy converted me from Islam to Buddhism, but that's not really true. I'm wary of spiritual teachers who are very pushy about converting people from other religions to their own. I think a gifted priest can convert people from other religions to Catholicism by making the Biblical stories really come alive.

3. To change or transform from one form, state, or function into another. The substance will convert from a gas into a liquid with enough pressure. A: "But you don't have a guest room." B: "Don't worry, that thing you're sitting on converts from a sofa to a pretty comfy bed." Wait, it converts from a full ballgown into shorter dress for the reception? OK, I'm intrigued.

4. To change or transform something to a new or different form, state, or function. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "convert" and "from." We're converting the room from a bedroom into an office. Could you convert this money from pounds to American dollars for me, please? I think something is stuck—this thing won't convert from a sofa into a bed like it's supposed to.

5. To shift from one type of person or thing into another. Did she really convert from that shy kid I used to know into a punk rock singer? Over the next few years, the business would convert from a small two-man operation to one of the largest corporations in the country. Did that kid really just sass me? Wow, he's sure converted from a sweetheart to a brat since the last time I saw him.

6. To cause someone or something to change or shift from one type of person or thing into another. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "convert" and "from." The profession converted him over time from a trusting, open-minded young man into a bitter, cynical old grouch. The oppressive regime converted the country from a fairly Westernized place into a cruel police state. If you convert this kid from a shortstop into a utility player, he might just have a path to the major leagues. Only the most elite talents can get away with playing only one position these days.