Switch vs. Convert — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 6, 2024
Switching implies changing from one option, state, or preference to another, while conversion involves changing the form, character, or function of something.
Difference Between Switch and Convert
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Switching generally denotes a simple, often instantaneous change, such as turning off a light or switching TV channels. It implies a choice between two or more options where the transition happens with little to no delay. On the other hand, converting suggests a transformation that involves a process or system, such as converting currencies or converting to a new religion. This process often requires a series of steps, understanding, and sometimes acceptance of new principles.
While a switch can be a physical action, it can also represent a quick change in ideas, decisions, or preferences without a significant transformation process. For example, one might switch their preference from tea to coffee. Conversely, conversion entails a deeper level of change that affects structure or belief systems, such as converting a van into a camper, which requires substantial modification, or converting to vegetarianism, which involves adopting new dietary principles and habits.
Switching is often reversible and can be done frequently without much consequence. For instance, switching from using one software to another for a specific task. Conversion, however, typically implies a more permanent or long-term change, where reverting to the original state involves another conversion process, such as converting a lawn into a garden.
In technology, switching refers to changing settings, paths, or modes, like switching from Wi-Fi to cellular data on a smartphone, which is straightforward and user-controlled. Conversion in tech contexts often involves data or file transformation, such as converting a document from PDF to Word, requiring specific processes or tools to achieve compatibility or desired functionality.
Switches are commonly associated with choices in the present moment, focusing on immediate outcomes or changes in state, such as switching a stance in a debate. Conversion emphasizes a journey or transition from one state to another, often with the goal of reaching a new or improved state, like converting skeptics into supporters through persuasion and evidence.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Change between options, often quickly
Change form, function, or belief, usually requiring adaptation
Process
Instantaneous or quick, minimal steps
Gradual, involves a series of steps or adaptation
Reversibility
Often reversible with ease
Typically implies a more permanent change
Contexts
Preferences, decisions, physical switches
Beliefs, forms, functions, significant transformations
Examples
Switching TV channels, switching preferences
Converting currencies, converting to a new religion
Compare with Definitions
Switch
Changing from one option to another rapidly.
He decided to switch from Android to iPhone.
Convert
Changing units or currency.
You can use an app to convert miles to kilometers.
Switch
Moving to a different task or focus.
After an hour of reading, he switched to writing.
Convert
Changing something to a different form or use.
They plan to convert the old factory into apartments.
Switch
Altering direction or position.
The train switched tracks to avoid the obstacle.
Convert
Changing one's belief or religion.
He converted to Buddhism after his trip to Nepal.
Switch
Changing one's opinion or choice.
She switched her vote after the debate.
Convert
Transforming data or files into a different format.
The software can convert PDFs into editable Word documents.
Switch
Activating or deactivating a device.
Please switch off the lights before leaving.
Convert
Adapting a place or piece of equipment for a new use.
We converted the spare room into a home office.
Switch
In electrical engineering, a switch is an electrical component that can disconnect or connect the conducting path in an electrical circuit, interrupting the electric current or diverting it from one conductor to another. The most common type of switch is an electromechanical device consisting of one or more sets of movable electrical contacts connected to external circuits.
Convert
To change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product; transform
Convert water into ice.
Switch
A device for making and breaking the connection in an electric circuit
The guard hit a switch and the gate swung open
Convert
To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another; adapt to a new or different purpose
Convert a forest into farmland.
Switch
An act of changing to or adopting one thing in place of another
His friends were surprised at his switch from newspaper owner to farmer
Convert
To persuade or induce to adopt a particular religion, faith, or belief
Convert pagans to Christianity.
Was converted to pacifism by the war.
Switch
A slender, flexible shoot cut from a tree.
Convert
To exchange for something of equal value
Convert assets into cash.
Switch
A set of points on a railway track.
Convert
To express (a quantity) in alternative units
Converting feet into meters.
Switch
A tress of false or detached hair tied at one end, used in hairdressing to supplement natural hair.
Convert
(Logic) To transform (a proposition) by conversion.
Switch
Change the position, direction, or focus of
The company switched the boats to other routes
Convert
(Law) To appropriate (another's property) without right to one's own use.
Switch
Beat or flick with or as if with a switch.
Convert
To complete (a conversion, penalty shot, or free throw) successfully.
Switch
An exchange or a swap, especially one done secretly.
Convert
To score (a spare) in bowling.
Switch
A transference or shift, as of opinion or attention.
Convert
To undergo a conversion
We converted to Islam several years ago.
Switch
A device used to break or open an electric circuit or to divert current from one conductor to another.
Convert
To be converted
A sofa that converts into a bed.
Arms factories converting to peacetime production.
Switch
A device consisting of two sections of railroad track and accompanying apparatus used to transfer rolling stock from one track to another.
Convert
(Football) To make a conversion.
Switch
A slender flexible rod, stick, or twig, especially one used for whipping.
Convert
(Sports) To shoot and score a goal, especially immediately after receiving a pass or gaining control of a rebound.
Switch
The bushy tip of the tail of certain animals
A cow's switch.
Convert
One who has been converted, especially from one religion or belief to another.
Switch
A thick strand of real or synthetic hair used as part of a coiffure.
Convert
(transitive) To transform or change (something) into another form, substance, state, or product.
A kettle converts water into steam.
Switch
A flailing or lashing, as with a slender rod
Gave the ox a switch.
Convert
(transitive) To change (something) from one use, function, or purpose to another.
He converted his garden into a tennis court.
Switch
To exchange
Asked her brother to switch seats with her.
Convert
(transitive) To induce (someone) to adopt a particular religion, faith, ideology or belief see also sense 11.
They converted her to Roman Catholicism on her deathbed.
Switch
To shift, transfer, or divert
Switched the conversation to a lighter subject.
Convert
(transitive) To exchange for something of equal value.
We converted our pounds into euros.
Switch
To connect, disconnect, or divert (an electric current) by operating a switch.
Convert
(transitive) To express (a quantity) in alternative units.
Switch
To cause (an electric current or appliance) to begin or cease operation
Switched the lights on and off.
Convert
(transitive) To express (a unit of measurement) in terms of another; to furnish a mathematical formula by which a quantity, expressed in the former unit, may be given in the latter.
How do you convert feet into metres?
Switch
(Informal) To produce as if by operating a control. Often used with on
Switched on the charm.
Convert
To appropriate wrongfully or unlawfully; to commit the common law tort of conversion.
Switch
To move (rolling stock) from one track to another; shunt.
Convert
To score extra points after (a try) by completing a conversion.
Switch
To whip with a switch, especially in punishing a child.
Convert
To score (especially a penalty kick).
Switch
To jerk or swish abruptly or sharply
A cat switching its tail.
Convert
To score a spare.
Switch
To make or undergo a shift or an exchange
The office has switched to shorter summer hours.
Convert
(intransitive) To undergo a conversion of religion, faith or belief see also sense 3.
We’ve converted to Methodism.
Switch
To swish sharply from side to side.
Convert
(intransitive) To become converted.
The chair converts into a bed.
Switch
A device to turn electric current on and off or direct its flow.
Convert
To cause to turn; to turn.
Switch
A change or exchange.
Convert
To change (one proposition) into another, so that what was the subject of the first becomes the predicate of the second.
Switch
A movable section of railroad track which allows the train to be directed down one of two destination tracks; (set of) points.
Convert
To turn into another language; to translate.
Switch
A slender woody plant stem used as a whip; a thin, flexible rod, associated with corporal punishment in the United States.
Convert
To increase one's individual score, especially from 50 runs (a fifty) to 100 runs (a century), or from a century to a double or triple century.
Switch
(musical instruments) rute.
Convert
To perform the action that an online advertisement is intended to induce; to reach the point of conversion.
Each time a user clicks on one of your adverts, you will be charged the bid amount whether the user converts or not.
Switch
(computer science) A command line notation allowing specification of optional behavior.
Use the /b switch to specify black-and-white printing.
Convert
To transform a material or positional advantage into a win.
Switch
A programming construct that takes different actions depending on the value of an expression.
Convert
A person who has converted to a religion.
They were all converts to Islam.
Switch
A networking device connecting multiple wires, allowing them to communicate simultaneously, when possible. Compare to the less efficient hub device that solely duplicates network packets to each wire.
Convert
A person who is now in favour of something that he or she previously opposed or disliked.
I never really liked broccoli before, but now that I've tasted it the way you cook it, I'm a convert!
Switch
(telecommunication) A system of specialized relays, computer hardware, or other equipment which allows the interconnection of a calling party's telephone line with any called party's line.
Convert
(Canadian football) The equivalent of a conversion in rugby
Switch
(genetics) A mechanism within DNA that activates or deactivates a gene.
Convert
To cause to turn; to turn.
O, which way shall I first convert myself?
Switch
(historical) A separate mass or tress of hair, or of some substance (such as jute) made to resemble hair, formerly worn on the head by women.
Convert
To change or turn from one state or condition to another; to alter in form, substance, or quality; to transform; to transmute; as, to convert water into ice.
If the whole atmosphere were converted into water.
That still lessensThe sorrow, and converts it nigh to joy.
Switch
(card games) A variant of crazy eights where one card, such as an ace, reverses the direction of play.
Convert
To change or turn from one belief or course to another, as from one religion to another or from one party or sect to another.
No attempt was made to convert the Moslems.
Switch
(transitive) To exchange.
I want to switch this red dress for a green one.
Convert
To produce the spiritual change called conversion in (any one); to turn from a bad life to a good one; to change the heart and moral character of (any one) from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness.
He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death.
Switch
(transitive) To change (something) to the specified state using a switch.
Switch the light on.
Convert
To apply to any use by a diversion from the proper or intended use; to appropriate dishonestly or illegally.
When a bystander took a coin to get it changed, and converted it, [it was] held no larceny.
Switch
To whip or hit with a switch.
Convert
To exchange for some specified equivalent; as, to convert goods into money.
Switch
(intransitive) To change places, tasks, etc.
I want to switch to a different seat.
Convert
To change (one proposition) into another, so that what was the subject of the first becomes the predicate of the second.
Switch
To get angry suddenly; to quickly or unreasonably become enraged.
Convert
To turn into another language; to translate.
Which story . . . Catullus more elegantly converted.
Switch
To swing or whisk.
To switch a cane
Convert
To be turned or changed in character or direction; to undergo a change, physically or morally.
If Nebo had had the preaching that thou hast, they [the Neboites] would have converted.
A red dust which converth into worms.
The public hopeAnd eye to thee converting.
Switch
To be swung or whisked.
The angry cat's tail switched back and forth.
Convert
A person who is converted from one opinion or practice to another; a person who is won over to, or heartily embraces, a creed, religious system, or party, in which he has not previously believed; especially, one who turns from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness, or from unbelief to Christianity.
The Jesuits did not persuade the converts to lay aside the use of images.
Switch
To trim.
Convert
A lay friar or brother, permitted to enter a monastery for the service of the house, but without orders, and not allowed to sing in the choir.
Switch
To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; generally with off, from, etc.
To switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another
Convert
A person who has been converted to another religious or political belief
Switch
(ecclesiastical) To shift to another circuit.
Convert
Change the nature, purpose, or function of something;
Convert lead into gold
Convert hotels into jails
Convert slaves to laborers
Switch
(snowboarding) Pertaining to riding with the front and back feet swapped round compared to one's normal position.
Convert
Change from one system to another or to a new plan or policy;
We converted from 220 to 110 Volt
Switch
Pertaining to skiing backwards.
Convert
Change religious beliefs, or adopt a religious belief;
She converted to Buddhism
Switch
A small, flexible twig or rod.
Mauritania, on the fifth medal, leads a horse with something like a thread; in her other hand she holds a switch.
Convert
Exchange or replace with another, usually of the same kind or category;
Could you convert my dollars into pounds?
He changed his name
Convert centimeters into inches
Convert holdings into shares
Switch
A movable part of a rail; or of opposite rails, for transferring cars from one track to another.
Convert
Cause to adopt a new or different faith;
The missionaries converted the Indian population
Switch
A separate mass or trees of hair, or of some substance (at jute) made to resemble hair, worn on the head by women.
Convert
Score an extra point or points after touchdown by kicking the ball through the uprights or advancing the ball into the endzone;
Smith converted and his team won
Switch
A device for shifting an electric current to another circuit, or for making and breaking a circuit.
Convert
Complete successfully;
Score a penalty shot or free throw
Switch
To strike with a switch or small flexible rod; to whip.
Convert
Score (a spare)
Switch
To swing or whisk; as, to switch a cane.
Convert
Make (someone) agree, understand, or realize the truth or validity of something;
He had finally convinced several customers of the advantages of his product
Switch
To trim, as, a hedge.
Convert
Exchange a penalty for a less severe one
Switch
To turn from one railway track to another; to transfer by a switch; - generally with off, from, etc.; as, to switch off a train; to switch a car from one track to another.
Convert
Change in nature, purpose, or function; especially undergo a chemical change;
The substance converts to an acid
Switch
To shift to another circuit.
Switch
To walk with a jerk.
Switch
Control consisting of a mechanical or electrical or electronic device for making or breaking or changing the connections in a circuit
Switch
An event in which one thing is substituted for another;
The replacement of lost blood by a transfusion of donor blood
Switch
Hairpiece consisting of a tress of false hair; used by women to give shape to a coiffure
Switch
Railroad track having two movable rails and necessary connections; used to turn a train from one track to another or to store rolling stock
Switch
A flexible implement used as an instrument of punishment
Switch
A basketball maneuver; two defensive players shift assignments so that each guards the player usually guarded by the other
Switch
The act of changing one thing or position for another;
His switch on abortion cost him the election
Switch
Change over, change around, or switch over
Switch
Exchange or give (something) in exchange for
Switch
Lay aside, abandon, or leave for another;
Switch to a different brand of beer
She switched psychiatrists
The car changed lanes
Switch
Make a shift in or exchange of;
First Joe led; then we switched
Switch
Cause to go on or to be engaged or set in operation;
Switch on the light
Throw the lever
Switch
Flog with or as if with a flexible rod
Switch
Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action)
Common Curiosities
Is switching always a quick process?
Switching is typically quick, especially in the context of decisions or technology, but the context can affect the duration.
What does it mean to switch in a technical context?
Switching refers to changing settings, paths, or modes in technology, like altering network connections or software settings.
What is an example of converting in cooking?
Converting measurements from cups to grams in recipes is a common conversion in cooking.
Can you switch beliefs?
Switching beliefs is less common; the term "convert" is more appropriate for significant changes in belief systems.
Can converting involve physical changes?
Yes, converting can involve physical changes, like changing the structure or function of an object.
What's a common scenario for switching in everyday life?
A common scenario is switching between tasks or priorities based on urgency or preference.
How does conversion impact the environment?
Conversion, such as repurposing buildings or changing land use, can have significant environmental impacts, both positive and negative.
Can a switch be considered a form of conversion?
While a switch can lead to a change, it's not typically considered a conversion due to its lack of depth and permanence.
Do both switching and converting require external tools or processes?
Switching often does not require external tools, whereas converting might need specific tools or processes.
Is converting always related to a change in function or use?
Converting often involves a change in function, use, or belief, but it can also relate to form or structure.
Can switching be temporary?
Yes, switching can be a temporary change, especially in preferences or choices.
Can switching involve risks?
Switching can involve risks, especially if it pertains to significant decisions like job changes or investments.
How does converting affect digital media?
Converting digital media involves changing file formats to ensure compatibility or meet specific needs.
Why is converting significant in religious contexts?
It represents a deep, often personal transformation in belief or faith, marking a significant change in life or ideology.
Is it easier to switch or convert?
Switching is generally easier and less time-consuming than converting, which involves a more complex process.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
