Meaning & use
conviction
A firm, unwavering belief that something is true or right.
See it in a sentence
She spoke with such conviction that no one doubted her sincerity.
His deep conviction in the cause kept him working long after others gave up.
A note on using this word
In everyday speech, conviction describes strength of belief, not certainty of fact; in law, the same word means something quite different, so context usually clarifies which sense applies.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
doubt
Another way to use it
2. noun
The formal decision of a court that a person is guilty of a criminal offense.
His conviction for fraud resulted in a three-year prison sentence.
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