Conviction
History and Origins:
The word “conviction” originates from the Latin convictionem, meaning “a proving or convincing.” It stems from the verb convincere, which means “to overcome or defeat” and is related to vincere, meaning “to conquer.” The term has evolved in English since the 14th century to refer to both legal judgments and personal belief or certainty.
Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Conviction (Legal): A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal offense.
- Conviction (Belief): A firmly held belief or opinion.
- Conviction (Confidence): A strong feeling or certainty about something.
Detailed Explanation:
- Legal Conviction: In a courtroom context, a conviction is the result of a trial in which the accused is proven guilty of a crime. This leads to sentencing and legal consequences.
- Conviction in Belief: Conviction can also refer to a deeply held belief or moral certainty. Someone with conviction is unwavering in their stance on an issue or principle.
- Conviction as Confidence: It can also refer to the confidence or intensity with which someone expresses their views, often indicating strong assurance.
Example Sentences:
- Legal Conviction: “After the lengthy trial, the defendant was sentenced following his conviction for theft.”
- Conviction in Belief: “She spoke with conviction about the importance of environmental protection.”
- Conviction as Confidence: “His conviction in his ability to succeed helped him overcome many challenges.”
Synonyms with Short Explanations:
- Belief: A conviction can be a belief, especially one that is strong and held with certainty.
- Certainty: A synonym for the confidence aspect of conviction, indicating a strong assurance or firm belief in something.
- Sentence: In a legal context, “sentence” can refer to the outcome or punishment following a conviction.
Related Words with Short Explanations:
- Judgment: A legal term related to a court’s decision, often leading to conviction.
- Assurance: A synonym for the confidence aspect, it refers to a strong feeling of certainty.
- Principle: A moral rule or belief that someone holds with conviction.
More Matches with Short Explanations:
- Resolution: Can be related to conviction in terms of firm decision-making or determination.
- Faith: A related word when referring to strong belief or conviction in religious or philosophical contexts.
Antonyms:
- Doubt: The opposite of conviction, representing uncertainty or lack of belief.
- Indecision: Lack of conviction when making choices, indicating uncertainty or wavering.
