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conviction

n.
US //kənˈvɪkʃən// UK //kənvˈɪkʃən// con·vic·tion
  1. 1 a strong belief (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a very strong opinion or belief that you are sure is right.

    a firmly held belief or opinion. Often used with the preposition 'that' or 'of'.

    Example

    She spoke with deep conviction about the need for better schools in the city.

    Example

    It is my firm conviction that the proposed environmental regulations will ultimately strengthen the local economy rather than hinder it.
  2. 2 legal guilt (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    a formal decision in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime.

    a formal declaration by a court of law or jury that someone is guilty of a criminal offence.

    Example

    The thief had several previous convictions for stealing cars.

    Example

    The prosecutor struggled to secure a conviction because the primary witness refused to testify under oath.
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  1. 3 feeling of certainty (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the feeling of being completely sure about something.

    the state or quality of being convinced of the truth of something. Uncountable in this sense.

    Example

    He lacked the conviction to lead the team through such a difficult project.

    Example

    The actor delivered his lines with such conviction that the audience forgot they were watching a fictional play.
Origin

From late Middle English conviction, from Anglo-Norman conviction, from Latin convictiō, from convictus, the past participle of convincō (“to convict”). Equivalent to convict + -ion.

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