Belief vs. Conviction — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
Belief is an acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof. Conviction is a firmly held belief or opinion.
Difference Between Belief and Conviction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Belief and conviction both relate to the acceptance of ideas, but with different degrees of certainty and evidence. Beliefs are ideas one accepts as true, often without immediate proof or evidence. Convictions, however, are beliefs one holds with greater certainty, often impervious to contrary evidence. One might hold a belief based on tradition or authority, whereas a conviction usually withstands personal scrutiny and challenge.
Beliefs can be passive and held with some doubt, but convictions are actively maintained and defended. While someone might say they believe in a particular diet's benefits, a conviction would imply they adhere to it strictly and encourage others to do the same. Beliefs are foundational to forming convictions; however, not all beliefs reach the level of conviction.
In terms of expression, beliefs are often stated as opinions or perspectives, whereas convictions carry a tone of undeniable certainty. A belief might influence choices, but a conviction often drives one to action. For example, a belief in environmental conservation might lead someone to recycle, but a conviction might prompt them to protest or lobby for legislation.
In the legal context, a conviction takes on a different meaning, referring to a formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense, made by the verdict of a jury or the decision of a judge. This legal use contrasts with the philosophical or personal use of the term, where conviction refers to an unshakeable belief in an idea or philosophy.
Comparison Chart
Definition
An acceptance of truth without proof.
A firmly held belief or opinion.
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Certainty
Can be held with some doubt.
Held with strong certainty.
Changeability
More likely to change or be influenced.
Less likely to waver, strongly maintained.
Expression
Often stated as opinion or perspective.
Carries a tone of firm assertion.
Action
May influence choices.
Often drives one to action.
Compare with Definitions
Belief
Trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something.
His belief in the team's ability never wavered.
Conviction
The state of being convinced or having a strong persuasion.
Despite opposition, he maintained his conviction that the policy was just.
Belief
An acceptance that something exists or is true.
The belief that the earth is flat is a historical curiosity.
Conviction
A firmly held belief or opinion.
She spoke with conviction about the need for social reform.
Belief
A religious tenet or tenets; a religious creed.
The family's beliefs were reflected in their daily lives.
Conviction
A personal belief that is not just held, but acted upon.
Her convictions about health led her to become a vegetarian.
Belief
A mental acceptance of a claim as true.
Her belief in ghosts began after visiting the old mansion.
Conviction
The quality of showing that one is firmly convinced of what they believe or say.
He spoke with a conviction that inspired everyone in the room.
Belief
The feeling of being certain that something exists or is true.
His belief that he would find a way out was unshakeable.
Conviction
The act or process of convincing.
Belief
A belief is an attitude that something is the case, or that some proposition about the world is true. In epistemology, philosophers use the term "belief" to refer to attitudes about the world which can be either true or false.
Conviction
A judgment of condemnation entered by a court having jurisdiction; the act or process of finding guilty, or the state of being found guilty of any crime by a legal tribunal.
Conviction may accrue two ways.
Belief
The mental act, condition, or habit of placing trust or confidence in another
My belief in you is as strong as ever.
Conviction
A formal declaration by a court that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
The jury's conviction of the defendant was upheld on appeal.
Belief
Mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, actuality, or validity of something
His explanation of what happened defies belief.
Conviction
In law, a conviction is the verdict that usually results when a court of law finds a defendant guilty of a crime. The opposite of a conviction is an acquittal (that is, "not guilty").
Belief
Something believed or accepted as true, especially a particular tenet or a body of tenets accepted by a group of persons.
Conviction
The judgment of a jury or judge that a person is guilty of a crime as charged.
Belief
Mental acceptance of a claim as true.
It's my belief that the thief is somebody known to us.
Conviction
The state of being found or proved guilty
Evidence that led to the suspect's conviction.
Belief
Faith or trust in the reality of something; often based upon one's own reasoning, trust in a claim, desire of actuality, and/or evidence considered.
My belief is that there is a bear in the woods. Bill said he saw one.
Based on this data, it is our belief that X does not occur.
Conviction
The state or appearance of being convinced
She spoke with real conviction on the matter.
Belief
(countable) Something believed.
The ancient people have a belief in many deities.
Conviction
A fixed or strong belief.
Belief
(uncountable) The quality or state of believing.
My belief that it will rain tomorrow is strong.
Conviction
(countable) A firmly held belief.
Belief
(uncountable) Religious faith.
She often said it was her belief that carried her through the hard times.
Conviction
(countable) A judgement of guilt in a court of law.
Belief
(in the plural) One's religious or moral convictions.
I can't do that. It's against my beliefs.
Conviction
(uncountable) The state of being found or proved guilty.
Belief
Assent to a proposition or affirmation, or the acceptance of a fact, opinion, or assertion as real or true, without immediate personal knowledge; reliance upon word or testimony; partial or full assurance without positive knowledge or absolute certainty; persuasion; conviction; confidence; as, belief of a witness; the belief of our senses.
Belief admits of all degrees, from the slightest suspicion to the fullest assurance.
Conviction
(uncountable) The state of being wholly convinced.
Belief
A persuasion of the truths of religion; faith.
No man can attain [to] belief by the bare contemplation of heaven and earth.
Conviction
The act of convicting; the act of proving, finding, or adjudging, guilty of an offense.
The greater certainty of conviction and the greater certainty of punishment.
Belief
The thing believed; the object of belief.
Superstitious prophecies are not only the belief of fools, but the talk sometimes of wise men.
Conviction
The act of convincing of error, or of compelling the admission of a truth; confutation.
For all his tedious talk is but vain boast,Or subtle shifts conviction to evade.
Belief
A tenet, or the body of tenets, held by the advocates of any class of views; doctrine; creed.
In the heat of persecution to which Christian belief was subject upon its first promulgation.
Conviction
The state of being convinced or convicted; strong persuasion or belief; especially, the state of being convicted of sin, or by one's conscience.
To call good evil, and evil good, against the conviction of their own consciences.
And did you presently fall under the power of this conviction?
Belief
Any cognitive content held as true
Conviction
An unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
Belief
A vague idea in which some confidence is placed;
His impression of her was favorable
What are your feelings about the crisis?
It strengthened my belief in his sincerity
I had a feeling that she was lying
Conviction
(criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed;
The conviction came as no surprise
Common Curiosities
Can beliefs be changed?
Yes, beliefs can change with new information or insights.
What does it mean to have a conviction?
To have a conviction means to hold a belief with firm certainty.
Is conviction stronger than belief?
Yes, conviction is typically a stronger, more immovable form of belief.
Are all beliefs convictions?
No, not all beliefs are strong enough to be considered convictions.
Can a conviction be a legal term?
Yes, in a legal context, a conviction is a formal judgment that someone is guilty of a crime.
Are convictions always based on evidence?
Convictions are often held despite a lack of empirical evidence and are based on strong personal or moral principles.
Can a belief become a conviction?
Yes, a belief can develop into a conviction if it is reinforced over time and through experiences.
Can someone have a belief without conviction?
Yes, it's possible to believe something without having the firm conviction in its truth.
How does society view beliefs and convictions?
Society may respect personal beliefs and convictions, but also challenges and debates them, especially when they lead to social or political actions.
How are beliefs formed?
Beliefs can be formed from personal experiences, cultural influences, or education.
How do convictions affect behavior?
Convictions can strongly influence behavior, leading to actions aligned with firmly held beliefs.
Is belief a choice?
Belief can be a choice, especially when it comes to adopting or rejecting certain ideas or doctrines.
Do beliefs always lead to action?
Not necessarily; while beliefs can influence actions, they don't always result in decisive behavior.
Are convictions important in leadership?
Yes, convictions can be crucial in leadership, as they provide a clear stance and can inspire trust and confidence in others.
What is the role of culture in shaping beliefs and convictions?
Culture plays a significant role in shaping both beliefs and convictions by providing a framework of shared values and norms.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
