1 C1 idiomatic formal
To persuade someone to change their allegiance or opinion in your favour.
"The general managed to gain several rival chieftains over to his cause before the battle."
separable
gain over
C1 formal separable transitive
To persuade someone to support your side or adopt your views.
In plain English
To make someone agree with you or join your team.
What does "gain over" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
To win the loyalty or friendship of someone previously neutral or hostile.
"She worked hard to gain the sceptical committee members over before the vote."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To gain someone by bringing them over to your position.
Actually means
To make someone agree with you or join your team.
Usage tip
Largely archaic; found mainly in historical or literary texts. Modern speakers prefer 'win over'. Rarely used in spoken English today.
Words that pair with "gain over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ally convert supporter opponent faction crowd
How to conjugate "gain over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
gain over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gains over
he/she/it
Past simple
gained over
yesterday
Past participle
gained over
have + pp
-ing form
gaining over
continuous
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