belief

noun

be·​lief bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce belief (audio)
1
: a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
her belief in God
a belief in democracy
I bought the table in the belief that it was an antique.
contrary to popular belief
2
: something that is accepted, considered to be true, or held as an opinion : something believed
an individual's religious or political beliefs
especially : a tenet or body of tenets held by a group
the beliefs of the Catholic Church
3
: conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence
belief in the validity of scientific statements
Choose the Right Synonym for belief

belief, faith, credence, credit mean assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance.

belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

synonyms see in addition opinion

Examples of belief in a Sentence

There is growing belief that these policies will not succeed. He gets angry if anyone challenges his religious beliefs. We challenged his beliefs about religion.
Recent Examples on the Web During the same period of time, church attendance (all religious beliefs) in America decreased dramatically. Curtis Varnell The Timepiece, arkansasonline.com, 20 Oct. 2024 For example, the student who talked about her summer work experience challenged her idea of stereotypes and revealed aspects of her beliefs and work ethic. Kristen Moon, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 Though there's no deathwatch beetle signaling doom, the idea of a curse still resonates because negative energy and belief in a curse can shape outcomes and influence manifestations. Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Oct. 2024 There has recently been growing attention to the rise of Christian nationalism, the belief that the United States is or should be a Christian nation. Kristina M. Lee, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for belief 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'belief.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beleave, probably alteration of Old English gelēafa, from ge-, associative prefix + lēafa; akin to Old English lȳfan — more at believe

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of belief was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near belief

Cite this Entry

“Belief.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belief. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

belief

noun
be·​lief bə-ˈlēf How to pronounce belief (audio)
1
: a feeling sure that someone or something exists or is true or trustworthy
a belief in Santa Claus
a belief in democracy
2
: something that one thinks is true
political beliefs

Legal Definition

belief

noun
be·​lief
: a degree of conviction of the truth of something especially based on a consideration or examination of the evidence compare knowledge, suspicion

More from Merriam-Webster on belief

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