What does "conviction" mean?
A firmly held belief.
Conviction
/kənˈvɪk.ʃən/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A firmly held belief.
- Grammar: conviction is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: absolute certainty, anathematizing, arrogance, article of faith.
- Useful contrasts: absolution, acquittal, acquittals.
- Usage evidence: An opinion is shocking only if it is a conviction.
How to use "conviction"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "conviction" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "conviction" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "conviction" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "conviction" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "conviction" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "absolute certainty" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "conviction", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A firmly held belief. countable
""...I imagined...that the husband of the lady might very easily be in Russia while his wife's health might necessitate her wintering in Egypt..." "But my mother thinks not. My mother thinks there is not a husband at all,—that there never was a husband. In fact my mother has very strong convictions on the subject...""
- 2 (criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed wordnet
- 3 A judgement of guilt in a court of law. countable
"He said Robins had not been in trouble with the law before and had no previous convictions. Jail would have an adverse effect on her and her three children as she was the main carer."
- 4 an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence wordnet
- 5 The state of being wholly convinced. uncountable
"Analogies are used in aid of Conviction: Metaphors, as means of Illustration."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The state of being found or proved guilty. uncountable
"From G. R. Ratts , Game Warden , fines collected on conviction of violation of State game law ."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"An opinion is shocking only if it is a conviction."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "conviction"?
Common synonyms include: absolute certainty, anathematizing, arrogance, article of faith, aspiration, assumption.
How do you use "conviction" in a sentence?
An opinion is shocking only if it is a conviction.
How do you pronounce "conviction"?
Pronounced /kənˈvɪk.ʃən/.
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.