belief
/bɪˈliːf
/noun
1An acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof: his belief in extraterrestrial life [with clause]: a belief that climate can be modified beneficially...
- It has a reverence for nature, a belief that life energy exists in all things, both animate and inanimate.
- I suppose it is a belief that even if all is lost in this life, not everything is lost.
- The project is underpinned by a belief that all families need support at some time or another.
1.1Something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion: we’re prepared to fight for our beliefs [mass noun]: contrary to popular belief existing safety regulations were adequate...
- I do not suffer fools gladly and I have been known to be opinionated and defend my beliefs strongly.
- Human beings are worthy of the highest respect, but not all opinions and beliefs are worthy of respect and tolerance.
- Language can be used to distort our beliefs and opinion of an individual.
Synonyms
opinion, view, viewpoint, point of view, attitude, stance, stand, standpoint, position, perspective, contention, conviction, judgement, thinking, way of thinking, thought, idea, theory, hypothesis, thesis, interpretation, assumption, presumption, supposition, surmise, postulation, conclusion, deduction, inference, notion, impression, sense, feeling, fancy, hunch
1.2A religious conviction: Christian beliefs [mass noun]: the medieval system of fervent religious belief...
- As it's quite a religious belief, many people don't believe there is an Afterlife.
- It invoked religious beliefs not only to understand different histories but also to change it.
- I wanted to learn more about the traditional core beliefs of Japanese religious life.
Synonyms
ideology, principle, ideal, ethic, conviction;
doctrine, teaching, dogma, tenet, canon, article of faith, credence, creed, credo, code of belief
2 (belief in) Trust, faith, or confidence in (someone or something): a belief in democratic politics...
- In times of stress or pain many of us derive comfort from a strong and deep-rooted belief in our faith.
- What the team is short of most of all is self confidence and belief in their own ability.
- My strength is my confidence and belief in my ability, and the manner in which I back myself.
Synonyms
faith, trust, reliance, confidence, credence, freedom from doubt;
optimism, hopefulness, hope
Phrases
be of the belief that
beyond belief
in the belief that
to the best of my belief
Origin
Middle English: alteration of Old English gelēafa; compare with believe.