Believer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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believer

[bɪˈliːvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious

A person who has a strong belief in a particular religion or religious faith.

Synonyms

adherent, devotee, follower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
believer

This term is appropriate when referring to someone who accepts and supports a particular set of beliefs, especially in a religious or spiritual context.

  • She's a strong believer in the power of positive thinking
  • He is a true believer in the teachings of his religion
devotee

This term is best used to describe someone who is very enthusiastic and passionate about something, often related to hobbies, interests, or religious practices.

  • He's a devotee of classical music, attending concerts regularly
  • She is a devoted yoga practitioner and a true devotee of holistic living
follower

This word is suitable for describing someone who subscribes to the teachings, lifestyle, or leadership of a person, often in religious, social media, or general contexts.

  • She is a follower of the Dalai Lama's teachings
  • His Instagram account has over a million followers
adherent

Use this word to describe someone who supports a specific ideology, movement, or leader. It is commonly used in political, social, or religious contexts.

  • Adherents of the new political movement gathered for a rally
  • As an adherent of environmentalism, she uses only eco-friendly products

Examples of usage

  • She is a devout believer in Buddhism.
  • As a believer, he attends church every Sunday.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who has a strong conviction or faith in something, such as an idea, cause, or principle.

Synonyms

advocate, proponent, supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
believer

Used when someone has a deep conviction or faith in something, often related to religion, ideology, or a particular concept.

  • She is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking.
  • As a believer in democracy, he always participates in elections.
advocate

Used when someone actively supports or argues in favor of a cause, often in public or professional settings. It may have a formal or activist connotation.

  • She is an advocate for animal rights and frequently speaks at protests.
  • As a lawyer, he advocates for his clients in court.
supporter

Used when someone generally supports or endorses a person, cause, or idea, but may not be as actively involved as an advocate. The term can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • She has always been a supporter of local businesses.
  • As a supporter of the football team, he attends every game.
proponent

Used when someone proposes or supports a specific idea or plan. This term is often used in academic, professional, or technical contexts.

  • He is a proponent of renewable energy solutions.
  • The professor is a strong proponent of hands-on learning techniques.

Examples of usage

  • She is a firm believer in equal rights for all.
  • He is a strong believer in the power of positive thinking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • Across many religions, believers form communities that share common beliefs, providing a sense of belonging.
  • In Christianity, believers are often described as having faith in Jesus as their savior.
  • Believers in Buddhism follow the teachings of Buddha and seek enlightenment through practices like meditation.

Psychology

  • Psychological studies show that holding strong beliefs can influence our decisions and behavior.
  • Believers tend to exhibit greater resilience during challenging times due to their convictions.
  • Cognitive dissonance often affects believers when their experiences conflict with their beliefs, prompting them to seek resolution.

Pop Culture

  • Songs like 'Believer' by Imagine Dragons highlight the struggle and empowerment that can come from faith.
  • In movies and literature, characters often go on journeys to prove their beliefs, which shapes their arcs.
  • Believers are often depicted as heroes in narratives where faith drives them to accomplish extraordinary feats.

Origin of 'believer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'beliefe,' which relates to being loyal or having faith.
  • It is derived from the root 'believen,' which means to hold something true or genuine.
  • The term has evolved from usage in various contexts, often reflecting deep trust or conviction.

The word 'believer' originated from the Old English word 'belyfan' which means 'to have faith or confidence in'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in Middle English, maintaining its core meaning of having a strong belief or faith in something. The concept of belief has been essential in various religions and philosophical traditions, shaping the way people perceive the world and their place in it.


See also: belief, beliefs, believability, believable, believe, believers, disbelieve, disbeliever, disbelieving, nonbeliever, nonbelieving, unbelievability, unbelievable, unbelievably, unbelieving, unbelievingly.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,969 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.