conviction
Conviction (noun) means a strong, firmly held belief. Example: “She spoke with real conviction about the need for change.”
How to use conviction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a strongly held belief, or the legal result of being found guilty.
Word forms
convictions plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She spoke with real _____ about the need for change.
Etymology
From late Middle English conviction, from Anglo-Norman conviction, from Latin convictiō, from convictus, the past participle of convincō (“to convict”). Equivalent to convict + -ion.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for conviction
Frequently asked questions
What does “conviction” mean?
The word “conviction” means a strong, firmly held belief. In plain terms, either a strongly held belief, or the legal result of being found guilty.
How do you pronounce “conviction”?
“Conviction” is pronounced kuhn-VIHK-shuhn (/kənˈvɪkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “conviction” in a sentence?
Here is “conviction” used in a sentence: “She spoke with real conviction about the need for change.”
What is another word for “conviction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “conviction” include attaintment, condemnation, judgement and proscription.
What is the opposite of “conviction”?
The opposite of “conviction” — its antonyms — is acquittal.
What part of speech is “conviction”?
“Conviction” is a noun.
Is “conviction” a common word?
“Conviction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “conviction” have?
“Conviction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a strong, firmly held belief.
What is the difference between conviction and belief?
A belief is something you accept as true, while a conviction is a belief held especially firmly and strongly. Calling something a conviction stresses the depth and certainty behind it.
What is the difference between a conviction and a sentence in law?
A conviction is the court's formal declaration that a person is guilty of a crime. The sentence is the punishment, such as a fine or imprisonment, that is decided afterward once someone has been convicted.
What is the difference between a conviction and an acquittal?
A conviction is a formal finding that a person is guilty of a crime, while an acquittal is a decision that clears them, finding them not guilty. The two are opposite outcomes of a criminal case.
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