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Meaning & use

belief

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/bɪˈliːf/
US/bɪˈlif/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable or uncountable

    The feeling that something is true or exists, even when it cannot be proven.

    Grammar: Countable for a particular idea (a belief), uncountable for general trust (belief in luck).

    Patterns

    • belief in something
    • the belief that something is true

    It is my belief that honesty matters most.

    She has a strong belief in hard work.

    Many people share the belief that the market will recover.

  2. nounusually plural

    A set of ideas about religion, politics or values that a person or group accepts.

    Grammar: Often plural: religious beliefs, political beliefs.

    Patterns

    • beliefs about something

    Respect for different religious beliefs is taught at the school.

    His political beliefs changed as he grew older.

  3. noununcountable

    Trust or confidence in someone or something.

    Grammar: Followed by in: belief in a leader.

    Patterns

    • belief in someone

    The coach has complete belief in her players.

    They lost belief in the plan after the first setback.

Word forms

pluralbeliefs

Common combinations

firm belief
He holds a firm belief in fairness.
hold a belief
Many people hold the belief that luck matters.
beyond belief
The view was beautiful beyond belief.
in the belief that
She went in the belief that the shop was open.
religious beliefs
Employees may display their religious beliefs.

Synonyms and how they differ

conviction
Conviction is a stronger, more firmly held belief.
opinion
An opinion is a view that may rest on judgment rather than faith.
faith
Faith suggests trust without proof, often religious.
trust
Trust focuses on confidence in a person's reliability.

Opposites

disbeliefdoubt

Word family

believe verb
to accept something as true
believer noun
a person who believes, especially in a religion or idea
believable adjective
able to be accepted as true
unbelievable adjective
too surprising or good to seem true
disbelief noun
inability to accept that something is true

Commonly confused: belief or believe?

belief vs believe

Believe is the verb; belief is the noun. Say 'I believe you', not 'I belief you'.

Practice

She has great ___ in her team's ability to win.

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