belief
gb/bɪlˈif/ us/bɪlˈif/
A2
English
~ 1400
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
state
1
Acceptance without proof
When you think something is true or real, even if you cannot prove it.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s belief in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'belief' with 'faith'; 'faith' often relates more specifically to religion or trust, whereas 'belief' can be broader.
Synonyms
conviction (Slightly more formal and often implies a firmly held belief.)
Antonyms
doubt (Represents uncertainty or lack of conviction about truth.)
Collocations
strong belief
|deep belief
|belief system
|belief in
|core belief
Themes
emotions
|philosophy
|religion
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her belief in justice kept her going.
- Many people have a strong belief in the power of education.
- His belief that the project would succeed motivated the team.
- The community shares a common belief in kindness and respect.
Learner examples
- I have a belief that hard work brings success.
- She has a strong belief in her friends.
- His belief in himself helped him win.
- They have a belief in peace.
Noun
A2
state
2
Religious or spiritual trust
When you trust or follow a religion or god.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s belief in [a god/religion]
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'belief' instead of 'religion' when referring to an organized system of faith; 'belief' refers more to the personal aspect.
Synonyms
faith (Often used interchangeably but can imply deeper personal trust and devotion.)
Antonyms
atheism (The absence of belief in any gods.)
Collocations
religious belief
|Christian belief
|belief in God
|Islamic belief
Themes
religion
|spirituality
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her belief in God gives her strength.
- Different cultures have different religious beliefs.
- His beliefs guide his daily actions and moral choices.
Learner examples
- He has a belief in one god.
- Her belief helps her in hard times.
- They have strong religious beliefs.
Noun
B1
entity
3
Opinion accepted as truth
An idea that you think is true.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s belief that [clause]
Synonyms
view (Less formal and can be less deeply held than 'belief'.)
Antonyms
disbelief (Refusal to accept something as true.)
Collocations
personal belief
|political belief
|cultural belief
Themes
thinking
|psychology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- It is my firm belief that education is the key to success.
- Her beliefs about health influence what she eats.
- Many people hold the belief that money brings happiness.
Learner examples
- I have a belief that reading is good for you.
- He has the belief that exercise is important.
- Her belief is that we should help others.
Grammar
Dictionary form
belief
IPA
GB/bɪlˈif/
US/bɪlˈif/
Syllables & stress
be - lief (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lief)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: belief
- Plural: belief, beliefs
Word family
Forms
beliefs
noun
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
believability
noun
unbelief
noun
Expressions
in the belief that
1/ˈɪn ðə bɪlˈif ðˈæt/
fixed phrase
Acting based on conviction
Doing something because you think it is true or right.
Examples
- She acted in the belief that she was helping.
- He spoke up in the belief that honesty was best.
to the best of my belief
1/tə ðə bˈɛst əv mˈaɪ bɪlˈif/
fixed phrase
formal
According to my conviction
As far as I know and believe to be true.
Examples
- To the best of my belief, he was at home all evening.
- The statement is correct to the best of my belief.
beyond belief
1/bɪjˈɔnd bɪlˈif/
fixed phrase
Extremely unbelievable or surprising
So surprising, bad, or good that it is hard to believe.
Examples
- The damage from the storm was beyond belief.
- Her kindness was beyond belief.
beyond belief
2/bɪjˈɔnd bɪlˈif/
fixed phrase
extremely hard to believe
So strange, bad, or good that it is hard to believe.
Examples
- Her kindness was beyond belief.
- The mess in his room was beyond belief.
contrary to popular belief
1/kˈɑntɹɛɹi tə pˈɑpjəlɚ bɪlˈif/
fixed phrase
against what most people think
Used to introduce information that is different from what many people think is true.
Examples
- Contrary to popular belief, bats are not blind.
- Contrary to popular belief, coffee does not always cause dehydration.
- Contrary to popular belief, carrots don't improve night vision.
- Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a lot of money to start a small business.