conviction
part of speech
noun (a conviction, convictions; also uncountable)
meaning for a pupil
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 →
sense 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.
Trees and pragmatics
Every meaning and example of «conviction» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.