belief

noun

be·​lief bə-ˈlēf 

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

Synonyms

• credence
• credit
• faith

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

Contrary to popular belief due to the restaurant’s name, Fine did not sell wine back then. —Jennings Cool, Charlotte Observer, 24 Apr. 2024

The Company's expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize. —Sacramento Bee, 24 Apr. 2024

That has been expected to filter into renewals of existing leases on the belief that landlords fearful of losing tenants to rivals down the block would raise rents just modestly when existing leases expire. —Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2024

Young people, in particular, are energized in their beliefs. —Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2024

And Lynch isn’t going to abandon his belief in the power of the group, even with new folks taking on larger roles. —Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

For others, like Paul Sheck, neither the environment nor any religious beliefs came into play when the time arrived to say goodbye to his son Jacob. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2024

But throughout his five-decade career in public office, Biden has set his personal beliefs aside and supported the right to choose to end a pregnancy. —David Jackson, USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024

Jenner has previously been vocal about her belief that Simpson was responsible for the June 1994 murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ron Goldman. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing belief

• a growing belief that
• beggar belief
• be secure in the belief/knowledge
• beyond belief
• contrary to popular belief
• defy belief
• in the belief that
• in the mistaken/erroneous belief that
• make-belief
• to the best of one's belief
• worthy of belief

Kids Definition

belief

noun

be·​lief bə-ˈlēf 

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