B1noun1K

Belief

UK /["/bɪˈliːf/"]/US /["/bɪˈliːf/"]/

Definition

a strong feeling that something/somebody exists or is true; confidence that something/somebody is good or right

In simple words: Something you think is true.

Examples

  • Her belief in the power of education changed her life.
  • Many people hold strong beliefs about what is right and wrong.
  • He has a deep belief that everything happens for a reason.
  • The scientist's belief in her hypothesis led to groundbreaking research.
  • Different cultures have varied beliefs regarding the afterlife.

Usage notes

Use 'belief' in discussions about opinions, faith, and confidence. It's appropriate in academic, personal, and religious contexts but may be too strong for casual discussions.

Grammar pattern

belief + in/on + object

Memory hint

Think of 'be-leaf' and visualize a leaf in the trees representing your thoughts.

Collocations

  • absolute
  • deep-seated
  • deeply held
  • set
  • system
  • espouse
  • have
  • hold
  • persist
  • system
  • beyond belief
  • in the belief that
  • belief about
  • contrary to popular belief
  • absolute
  • deep-seated
  • deeply held
  • set
  • system
  • espouse
  • have
  • hold
  • persist
  • system
  • beyond belief
  • in the belief that
  • belief about
  • contrary to popular belief
  • absolute
  • deep-seated
  • deeply held
  • set
  • system
  • espouse
  • have
  • hold
  • persist
  • system
  • beyond belief
  • in the belief that
  • belief about
  • contrary to popular belief

Synonyms

  • faith
  • conviction
  • trust
  • opinion
  • view

Antonyms

  • disbelief
  • skepticism

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'belief' with 'believe' (the verb form).
  • Using 'beliefs' inappropriately when referring to a single idea.
  • Misplacing the preposition (should be 'belief in' or 'belief on').