Skip to main content

beliefan acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof

Pronunciation (IPA): /bɪˈliːf/

Example Sentences

  • My grandmother's belief that eating garlic prevents colds made our house smell like a vampire-proof fortress.
  • The belief that money can't buy happiness is usually held by people who have never been really poor.
  • His belief in hard work paid off when he finally achieved his dream.

belief

NOUN

[/bɪˈliːf/]

an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof

His belief in success kept him moving forward.
💡 Concept

His belief in success kept him moving forward.

A shared belief united the entire community.
🧠 Mnemonic

A shared belief united the entire community.

Belief brings relief and helps people achieve.
🎵 Rhyme

Belief brings relief and helps people achieve.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/bɪˈliːf/
🇬🇧 UK/bɪˈliːf/

🌳Etymology

Rootlief
Suffix--f

Origin

Belief derives from Old Germanic roots combining 'be-' (by, through) and 'lief' (dear, beloved), originally meaning 'to hold dear or precious.' The word evolved from this sense of cherishing or valuing something in one's heart to its modern meaning of accepting something as true or having faith in it.

Breakdown

be- (completely, thoroughly) + lief (dear, beloved, valued). The prefix 'be-' intensifies the root 'lief,' creating the sense of holding something precious or dear to one's heart.

🎵Rhyme

reliefgriefchiefbrief
relief
grief
chief
brief

🔗Collocations

strong belief
religious belief
personal belief
belief system
hold a belief
challenge someone's belief
contrary to popular belief

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My grandmother's belief that eating garlic prevents colds made our house smell like a vampire-proof fortress.

😄 Fun example

The belief that money can't buy happiness is usually held by people who have never been really poor.

His belief in hard work paid off when he finally achieved his dream.

Cultural beliefs vary greatly around the world.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

faithconvictiontrustconfidenceopinion

Antonyms

doubtdisbeliefskepticism

Related

believebelieverbelievablereligionfaith

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.