Conviction

Definition

Conviction refers to the act or process of finding someone guilty of a crime in a court of law. It also refers to a firmly held belief or strong persuasion about something, particularly in matters of morality or personal principles.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈvɪkʃən/
• Respelling: kuhn-VIK-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈvɪkʃən/
• Respelling: kuhn-VIK-shuhn

The pronunciation of "conviction" is identical in both American and British English, with very minor differences in accent.

Etymology

The word "conviction" comes from the Latin word "convictio," which means "proof" or "demonstration." It is derived from "convincere," meaning "to conquer, overcome." The term entered Middle English in the legal sense of finding someone guilty, while the figurative sense of having a firm belief developed later.

Derivatives

• Convict (verb, noun)
• Convicted (adjective)
• Convictable (adjective)
• Convincing (adjective)
• Convictional (adjective)

Synonyms

• Belief
• Certainty
• Judgment

Antonyms

• Doubt
• Uncertainty
• Acquittal

Usage

The word "conviction" is used in legal contexts to refer to the process of determining someone guilty of a crime, such as "The jury reached a conviction after several hours of deliberation." It is also used in more personal contexts to refer to strong beliefs or principles, as in "She spoke with great conviction about the importance of human rights."

Related Terms

• Verdict: The decision made by a jury or judge in a court case.
• Acquittal: A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.
• Principle: A fundamental belief or value that guides behavior or decision-making.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act or process of finding someone guilty of a crime in a court of law: Refers to the legal determination of guilt.
  • Example: "The defendant's conviction was based on strong evidence."
• A firmly held belief or strong persuasion: Refers to having a strong personal belief or principle.
  • Example: "Her environmental activism is driven by her conviction that climate change is a critical issue."