Conviction
noun /kənˈvɪk.ʃən/ — A firmly held belief; the quality of being convinced
Definition
A firmly held belief or opinion — or the quality of speaking or acting in a way that shows you truly believe what you're saying. The difference between saying something and meaning it.
Beyond the definition
The weight behind the words. Conviction is what makes an argument feel true even before the evidence is examined — the sense that this person actually believes what they are saying.
Origin & history
From Latin 'convictio' (proof, demonstration) — from 'convincere' (to prove, to overcome in argument) — 'con' (completely) + 'vincere' (to conquer). To conquer completely — to be won over without remainder.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She spoke with conviction — which was more persuasive than the argument itself, and she knew it.
A conviction is different from an opinion: an opinion can be adjusted; a conviction was already tested and survived.
The most dangerous people in any debate are those with conviction — they have already won the argument with themselves.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Conviction” when the meaning fits your context: A firmly held belief or opinion — or the quality of speaking or acting in a way that shows you truly believe what you're saying. The difference between saying something and meaning it.
Synonyms
belief, certainty, assurance, firmness, resolution
Antonyms
doubt, uncertainty, hesitation
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Confident Orator on Stage
An orator gestures assertively before an audience, with sharp lighting emphasizing their absolute confidence and belief in their message.
The orator's intense expression and confident body language show that they genuinely mean what they are saying, embodying the conviction that distinguishes true belief from mere words.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Conviction" mean?
Conviction is noun meaning: A firmly held belief; the quality of being convinced. A firmly held belief or opinion — or the quality of speaking or acting in a way that shows you truly believe what you're saying. The difference between saying something and meaning it.
Where does the word "Conviction" come from?
From Latin 'convictio' (proof, demonstration) — from 'convincere' (to prove, to overcome in argument) — 'con' (completely) + 'vincere' (to conquer). To conquer completely — to be won over without remainder.