Belief Meaning
Belief Definition & Usage
A mental acceptance of and conviction in the truth, existence, or reality of something, often without immediate evidence or proof.
Examples
- "She has a strong belief in the importance of kindness and generosity."
- "His belief in the power of education led him to dedicate his life to teaching."
- "The belief that everything happens for a reason provides comfort to many people."
- "Despite the odds, they kept their belief in a better future."
- "Her belief in the supernatural made her wary of certain places."
A religious faith or conviction in a higher power, god(s), or a system of spiritual ideas.
Examples
- "His belief in God was central to his daily life and decisions."
- "The family shared a deep belief in the Christian faith."
- "Many cultures have a belief in spirits and ancestors who guide them."
- "The belief in karma influences the way people act in many Asian countries."
- "Their belief in the afterlife gave them peace during tough times."
An opinion or judgment formed about something, often based on limited experience or generalization.
Examples
- "She expressed a belief that technology would solve most of the world's problems."
- "The public's belief that the economy would improve led to greater consumer confidence."
- "He held the belief that success was mainly due to luck rather than hard work."
- "There is a common belief that introverts are not as successful in leadership roles."
- "The belief that hard work always leads to success is often challenged by reality."
Cultural Context
Belief systems have shaped human societies for centuries, influencing religions, ethics, and political ideologies. The idea of belief often intersects with concepts of faith, trust, and worldview, forming the foundation for personal decisions and collective norms.
The Power of Belief
Story
The Power of Belief
In a small village nestled between rolling hills, there lived an elderly woman named Eleanor who was known for her unwavering belief in the power of the mind. She had spent her entire life meditating, studying ancient texts, and sharing her insights with the younger generation. Her belief was simple but profound: true strength came from within, and the mind had the power to shape the world around us. One afternoon, a young traveler named Thomas arrived in the village, tired and disheartened after a long journey. He had heard about Eleanor’s teachings and decided to visit her, hoping to find some guidance. ‘You seem troubled,’ Eleanor said, her eyes gentle yet piercing. ‘What weighs on your heart?’ ‘I’ve lost all belief,’ Thomas replied, his voice thick with frustration. ‘I don’t believe in people, in life, or even in myself anymore. Nothing seems worth fighting for.’ Eleanor smiled softly, understanding his pain. She had seen many young souls come to her with similar doubts, searching for something to believe in. ‘Belief,’ she began, ‘is not always about faith in the impossible. It can simply be about having faith in yourself, even when the world around you seems to crumble.’ Thomas listened, but his skepticism was palpable. ‘But how do I find that belief? I’ve seen too much suffering to simply ignore it.’ Eleanor gestured to the sky, where the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the hills. ‘Belief is not about ignoring the pain, Thomas. It is about understanding that pain is a part of the journey. If you only focus on what’s wrong, you’ll miss all that is right. Sometimes, belief is as simple as taking the next step, even when you can’t see the whole path.’ The words resonated deeply with Thomas, who, for the first time in years, felt a flicker of hope. It was not the grand belief in a higher power or an unshakeable faith in a greater cause, but a simple, personal belief that he could move forward, one step at a time. That evening, Thomas stood at the edge of the village, looking out at the vast horizon. He realized that belief, in its most basic form, was a quiet strength — something that came from within, no matter the circumstances. He didn’t need to have all the answers. He only needed to believe that tomorrow might be different. And so, with a new sense of purpose, he set off again, this time with a stronger belief in himself and the future.
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