conviction

Everyday

1. A strong belief or opinion: «She has a deep conviction that animals should be treated kindly». tree →
2. The feeling of being sure, shown in how you speak or act: «He spoke with conviction». tree →
3. (law) The decision of a court that someone is guilty of a crime: «a conviction for theft». tree →
4. (law) A record that someone has been found guilty before: «He had no previous convictions». tree →

In the lessons

In speaking and drama, teachers praise pupils who speak «with conviction» (sounding sure). In citizenship and law topics, a «conviction» is the end of a trial when the jury or judge finds someone guilty; the opposite is an «acquittal». In religious education, people act from their «religious convictions». Phrases: «with conviction», «strong convictions», «a criminal conviction», «previous convictions», «have the courage of your convictions».

Examples

• She read her poem aloud with real conviction. tree →
• It is my conviction that everyone deserves a second chance. tree →
• The thief's conviction was announced in court. tree →
• The man had no previous convictions. tree →
• He has the courage of his convictions and speaks up for what is right. tree →
• Without evidence, there can be no conviction. tree →
• The team played with conviction and won. tree →
• “So it is,” Michael said, but not with much conviction. tree →

Note

Two very different senses: a belief (everyday) and a guilty verdict (law). The verb «convict» (con-VICT) means to find guilty; the noun «a convict» (CON-vict) is a person in prison. Being «convinced» (sure) is related to the belief sense. A conviction in court needs proof «beyond reasonable doubt» in the UK, USA and similar countries.