Con has 18 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adverb · Proper Noun
an argument opposed to a proposal
"The town council faced a heated con regarding the new zoning laws that would have displaced many local families."
a swindle in which you cheat at gambling or persuade a person to buy worthless property
"The old man fell for the con when he handed over all his savings to buy a gold mine that didn't exist."
A disadvantage of something, especially when contrasted with its advantages (pros).
"The state health department rejected our application because we didn't submit a valid con before breaking ground on the new wing."
A convicted criminal, a convict.
A fraud; something carried out with the intention of deceiving, usually for personal, often illegal, gain.
Alternative form of conn (“navigational direction of a ship”)
An organized gathering such as a convention, conference or congress.
The conversion of part of a building.
Consumption; pulmonary tuberculosis.
Initialism of Certificate of Need.
In plain English: A con is a trick used to deceive someone into giving them something they don't want or need.
"The hospital needed a con to demonstrate community need before expanding its services."
Usage: Do not use "con" to mean a scam or trick when referring to a medical permit; that specific usage refers only to the initialism for Certificate of Need. In everyday conversation, if you suspect deception, use the word as a verb meaning to deceive rather than as a noun representing a fraudulent scheme.
To study or examine carefully, especially in order to gain knowledge of; to learn, or learn by heart.
"The old sailor muttered that he would con the vessel through the narrow channel if the fog lifted soon."
To trick or defraud, usually for personal gain.
Alternative form of conn (“direct a ship”)
In plain English: To con someone means to trick them into giving you money or something else by lying about it.
"The magician asked if anyone would like to come up on stage for a magic con."
Usage: Do not use "con" as a verb to mean directing a ship; that is an obsolete spelling of "conn." Instead, reserve "con" for its common role as a noun meaning a confidence trick or as part of the phrase "to con someone," which means to deceive them.
A male given name, a diminutive form of Conor or Cornelius.
"The teacher called on Con to answer the question, and he quickly raised his hand."
The word "con" comes from the Old English verb cunnan, which originally meant "to know" or "know how." It is a doublet of the word "can," sharing the same root meaning to possess knowledge or ability.