English vocabulary · B2
Conviction
/kənˈvɪk.ʃən/ · n.
It means a very strong belief, or a legal judgment that someone is guilty.
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Example sentences
- She spoke with strong conviction, persuading everyone.
- His conviction for the crime shocked his family.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- con — completely (from Latin)
- vincere — to conquer (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- belief (holding something to be true)
- view (expressing a personal opinion)
- mind (referring to one's settled thoughts)
Words with the same root
vincere — conquer
- convince — to conquer someone's doubts and change their mind
- invincible — impossible to conquer or defeat
- victor — one who conquers and wins
Lesson notes
Conviction. It means a very strong belief, or a legal judgment that someone is guilty.
Similar words are belief, view, and mind. Use conviction when your belief is very powerful.
She spoke with strong conviction, persuading everyone. His conviction for the crime shocked his family.
Conviction comes from con, meaning completely, and vincere, to conquer. A complete conquering of doubt, or by evidence.