Word
belief
Phoneticsbe·lief, stress on the second syllable
US/bɪˈɫif/
UK/bɪlˈiːf/
Definitions
01acceptance of truth
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the feeling or certainty that something is true or exists.
n. the mental state of accepting a proposition or premise as being true or factual.
日本語:信念※
“Her belief in the importance of hard work helped her finish the project.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02religious or moral ideas
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun Religion
n. a specific idea that you hold, especially about religion, politics, or what is right and wrong.
n. a set of principles or tenets held by a person or group, often relating to religious or ethical systems.
日本語:信条※
“People from many different religious beliefs live together in this city.”
“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.
03trust or confidence
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. trust that someone or something is good, effective, or will be successful.
n. confidence in the efficacy or reliability of a person, system, or entity.
“The team's recent wins have given the fans new belief in the manager.”
“Public belief in the stability of the banking system is essential for preventing a widespread financial crisis.”
Usage
Usually takes the preposition 'in'.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “belief” in context.
Verb
01. express belief
“Many people express belief in the importance of protecting the environment.”
verb + noun
02. support belief
“There is no scientific evidence to support the belief that this medicine works.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. cultural belief
“It is important to respect every cultural belief when you travel to a new country.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“No matter your stance on religion, the Titovian philosophy is a foolish position. Indeed, life is incomplete and nonsensical without a belief in the reality of the unseen.” “When held with curiosity, beliefs can be productive, creative and alive.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/belief
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0