Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Convictions Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
Add to dictionary

convictions

[kษ™nหˆvษชkสƒษ™nz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal system

Beliefs or opinions that are strongly held, especially about a particular subject or person.

Synonyms

beliefs, opinions, principles.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
convictions

Generally used to express strong, firmly held beliefs or opinions that are deeply personal and often moral. It can carry a sense of unwavering certainty.

  • Her environmental convictions drove her to become an activist.
  • He has strong religious convictions that guide his daily life.
beliefs

Used to describe what someone accepts as true, especially on religious, ethical, or philosophical topics. This word is more general and can be less intense than 'convictions'.

  • Her beliefs in a higher power give her comfort.
  • Cultural beliefs vary widely around the world.
opinions

Refers to personal views or judgments formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge. Opinions can change and are often expressed in everyday discussions.

  • In my opinion, that movie was fantastic.
  • Everyone has different opinions on the best way to handle the situation.
principles

Signifies fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior. Principles are more systematic and can pertain to ethical standards or guidelines.

  • He built his company based on the principles of honesty and integrity.
  • According to their principles, lying is always wrong.

Examples of usage

  • He has strong convictions about social justice.
  • She was willing to fight for her convictions.
Context #2 | Noun

criminal justice

A formal declaration by the jury that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.

Synonyms

guilty verdict, judgment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
convictions

Refers to the process of being found guilty of a crime. Often used in legal contexts when discussing the outcome of criminal trials. Can also mean firmly held beliefs in a more general context.

  • The convictions of the three men were based on solid evidence
  • Her convictions about equality never wavered
guilty verdict

Specifically denotes the decision reached by a judge or jury that someone is responsible for committing a crime. Typically used in legal discussions directly related to court decisions.

  • The jury issued a guilty verdict after just three hours of deliberation
judgment

A broader term used in both legal and general contexts. Can refer to a decision made by a court or the process of forming an opinion after careful consideration.

  • The judge's judgment was fair and unbiased
  • Her judgment of character was usually accurate

Examples of usage

  • The jury returned a verdict of conviction.
  • He was sentenced to prison after the conviction.
Context #3 | Noun

strong belief

A firmly held belief in something, often based on moral or religious values.

Synonyms

assurance, certainty, faith.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
convictions

Used to describe strong beliefs or opinions that are deeply held and not easily changed. Often related to moral or ideological views.

  • Her environmental convictions drive her to participate in many green initiatives
faith

Typically used in religious or spiritual contexts, but can also refer to a strong belief in someone or something without needing proof.

  • He has a strong faith in his religion
  • She put her faith in the new team's abilities
certainty

Refers to something that is known for sure or without any doubt. Often used in scientific contexts or situations requiring factual clarity.

  • There is a certainty in the results of the experiment
  • She spoke with certainty about the facts
assurance

Used to convey confidence or a promise given to someone. It can relate to words of comfort or professionalism.

  • He gave her assurance that everything would be taken care of
  • The company offers a two-year assurance on their products

Examples of usage

  • She has a deep conviction that honesty is the best policy.
  • His conviction in the power of love guided his actions.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Strong convictions can influence decision-making, often leading individuals to avoid information that contradicts their beliefs.
  • The phenomenon known as 'cognitive dissonance' occurs when someone's actions conflict with their convictions, leading to mental discomfort.
  • People with strong convictions are often more resilient during stressful situations, maintaining their stance despite challenges.

History

  • Throughout history, many leaders and movements have been driven by strong convictions, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for civil rights.
  • Revolutions often spark from a shared set of convictions among the populace, as seen during the American or French Revolutions.
  • In the context of law, a 'conviction' refers to a formal finding of guilt, illustrating the dual meaning of the term.

Literature

  • Many literary characters are defined by their convictions, leading to pivotal conflicts and growth in stories.
  • In Dostoevsky's works, characters often grapple with deep moral convictions that challenge their sense of self.
  • Convictions in literature often serve as a catalyst for character development, pushing individuals to make difficult choices.

Pop Culture

  • In films, protagonists often embody strong convictions that drive their actions and influence plot development.
  • Popular songs sometimes focus on themes of strong beliefs, from fighting for love to seeking justice, resonating with listeners.
  • Reality shows often feature contestants with differing convictions, leading to drama and conflict amongst them.

Origin of 'convictions'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'convictio', meaning 'to overcome' or 'to prove as wrong'.
  • The root 'vincere' means 'to conquer', which highlights how strong beliefs can dominate someoneโ€™s thoughts.
  • It entered the English language in the early 15th century, primarily associated with legal contexts before growing to more everyday uses.

The word 'convictions' originated from the Latin word 'convictio', which means 'a convincing, conviction, proof'. Over time, the term evolved to encompass both legal and personal meanings, reflecting the strong beliefs and decisions that shape individuals and societies.

See also: convict, conviction, convicts.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,531 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.