What does "belief" mean?

1. (acceptance of truth) the feeling or certainty that something is true or exists. 2. (religious or moral ideas) a specific idea that you hold, especially about religion, politics, or what is right and wrong. 3. (trust or confidence) trust that someone or something is good, effective, or will be successful.

How do you use "belief"?

Often followed by the preposition 'in' or a 'that' clause. Commonly used in the plural when referring to a person's general worldview. Usually takes the preposition 'in'.

Is it correct to say "I have a belief that he is coming."?

No — say "I believe that he is coming.". While 'belief' is correct, English speakers usually prefer the verb 'believe' for personal opinions about immediate events.

belief

US //bɪˈɫif// UK //bɪlˈiːf// be·lief

1 acceptance of truth (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the feeling or certainty that something is true or exists.

the mental state of accepting a proposition or premise as being true or factual.

Example

Her belief in the importance of hard work helped her finish the project.

Example

The scientist maintained his belief that the data would eventually support his hypothesis, despite the initial setbacks in the laboratory.

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'in' or a 'that' clause.
Pitfall

I have a belief that he is coming.

I believe that he is coming.

While 'belief' is correct, English speakers usually prefer the verb 'believe' for personal opinions about immediate events.
2 religious or moral ideas (n.)
B1 Intermediate Religion

a specific idea that you hold, especially about religion, politics, or what is right and wrong.

a set of principles or tenets held by a person or group, often relating to religious or ethical systems.

Example

People from many different religious beliefs live together in this city.

Example

The constitution protects the right of every citizen to practice their deeply held moral and religious beliefs without fear of persecution.

Usage

Commonly used in the plural when referring to a person's general worldview.

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3 trust or confidence (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

trust that someone or something is good, effective, or will be successful.

confidence in the efficacy or reliability of a person, system, or entity.

Example

The team's recent wins have given the fans new belief in the manager.

Example

Public belief in the stability of the banking system is essential for preventing a widespread financial crisis.

Usage

Usually takes the preposition 'in'.
- mistrust
- suspicion

Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *lewbʰ-der. Proto-Germanic *laubō Proto-West Germanic *laubu Old English lēafa Middle English bileve English belief From Middle English bileve, from Old English lēafa, from Proto-West Germanic laubu from Proto-Germanic laubō. Compare German Glaube (“faith, belief”). The replacement of final /v/ with /f/ is due to the analogy of noun-verb pairs with /f/ in the noun but /v/ in the verb, creating a pair belief : believe on the model of e.g. grief : grieve or proof : prove.

Word family

Nounbelief
Noundisbelief