convertit

Convertit is a Latin verb form meaning “he/she/it turns,” “changes,” or “transforms.” It is the third-person singular present active indicative of converto, convertere, a verb whose basic sense is to turn or change, with both literal and figurative uses (for example turning objects, turning toward a different state, or turning someone to a belief).

In Latin grammar, converto is a third-conjugation -er- verb with principal parts typically given as converto, convertere, converti, conversum. The present tense forms follow the regular pattern for -ere verbs, and convertit specifically represents the 3rd person singular present active form. The infinitive is convertere, and related forms include converti (supine or perfect passive participle paradigm) and conversum as the neuter supine form.

Usage of convertit spans a range from literal turning to metaphorical or figurative change. It can describe turning physical objects (convertit aquam in vinum, “he turns water into wine”) or turning one’s mind or allegiance toward a new belief or direction (convertit animos ad fidem, “he turns minds toward faith”). In Late and Christian Latin, the sense of converting to a religion or belief becomes common, while in classical prose it more often conveys general turning or transforming.

Related linguistic notes: convertit is part of the broader root vertere, with English descendants seen in words like convert, controversy, and conversion. The verb forms a core example of Roman verb morphology and demonstrates how Latin expresses change of state, direction, and belief through a single versatile verb form.