conviction
/kənˈvɪkʃən/
Group 29Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (noun)
- A firmly held belief or opinion; the act of declaring guilty GRE
Example in Context
The activist spoke with a conviction that galvanized supporters and unsettled opponents who had underestimated her commitment to the cause.
Synonyms
strong beliefcertaintyfaith
Etymology
To conquer with strong belief or to declare someone guilty.
- con- (Latin) — with
- vincere (Latin) — to conquer
Memory Aid
🏆Sounds like “con VICK shun”
A lawyer named VICK claiming with CONVICTION that his client is innocent, while holding a trophy for best liar!
Visual Association
⚖️A courtroom scene where a lawyer passionately defends their client, leaving the jury in awe.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “conviction” mean on the GRE?
conviction (noun) means “A firmly held belief or opinion; the act of declaring guilty”. The activist spoke with a conviction that galvanized supporters and unsettled opponents who had underestimated her commitment to the cause.
How to remember “conviction” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “conviction” sounds like “con VICK shun”. A lawyer named VICK claiming with CONVICTION that his client is innocent, while holding a trophy for best liar!
What are synonyms for “conviction”?
Common synonyms: strong belief, certainty, faith.