Meaning
Conviction is a noun with two main meanings:
- A firm belief or strong opinion about something.
- The formal declaration of guilt in a court of law after a legal trial.
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Noun
- Uncountable when referring to belief/firmness.
- Countable when referring to a legal conviction (e.g., "three convictions").
Typical structures:
- "with conviction" → showing strong belief or certainty.
- "a conviction for [crime]" → a legal guilty judgment.
Common Phrases
- Deep conviction
- Strong conviction
- Religious conviction
- Speak with conviction
- Criminal conviction
Collocations
- Verb + conviction: hold, express, share, maintain
- Adjective + conviction: firm, strong, deep, moral
- Conviction + preposition: conviction for theft, conviction on charges of fraud
Examples
- She spoke with conviction, persuading everyone in the room.
- He holds the conviction that honesty is always the best policy.
- The jury’s decision led to his conviction for robbery.
- Despite criticism, she continued her work with great conviction.
- His religious convictions guide every aspect of his life.
- After two previous convictions, the judge gave him a harsher sentence.
- The speech was delivered with such conviction that it inspired the audience.
- They share the conviction that education can change society.
Synonyms or Related
- Belief, opinion, certainty, principle, assurance, faith (for belief sense)
- Sentence, judgment, verdict (for legal sense)
Antonym
- Doubt, uncertainty, indecision (for belief sense)
- Acquittal (for legal sense)