Meaning & use
personal belief
Last updated
UK/ˌpɜːsənl bɪˈliːf/
US/ˌpɜːrsənl bɪˈliːf/
Meaning
phrasecountable
Something that a person believes strongly, based on their own thoughts or values, not because others say so.
Grammar: Countable; can be used in the plural: 'personal beliefs'.
Patterns
- a personal belief that
- hold a personal belief
- respect someone's personal beliefs
It is her personal belief that honesty is always the best policy.
He holds strong personal beliefs about the environment.
The law protects everyone's right to their own personal beliefs.
Word forms
| plural | personal beliefs |
|---|
Common combinations
- strong personal belief
- She has a strong personal belief in equality.
- hold a personal belief
- Many people hold personal beliefs that differ from their parents'.
- respect personal beliefs
- A good teacher respects students' personal beliefs.
Synonyms and how they differ
- conviction
- Stronger and more formal; often about a firmly held opinion that guides action.
- opinion
- Weaker and more general; an opinion may not be deeply held.
Commonly confused: personal belief or personal belongings?
personal belief vs personal belongings
'Personal belief' is about what you think; 'personal belongings' are the things you own.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose one answer.
As a countable noun, 'belief' needs 'a' in the singular. Option 1 is correct.
Make it your own
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