a fixed belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fixed belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a belief that is firmly held and resistant to change. Example: "His refusal to consider alternative viewpoints is rooted in a fixed belief that he is always right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

If there is a fixed belief, it requires a wall to protect that fixed belief and weapons to propagate that fixed belief.

Huffington Post

Moreover, a fixed belief about aggressive high school students could lead us to convey counterproductive (fixed) messages to adolescents who are the targets of aggression.

Child Development

Study 4 manipulated beliefs about prejudice and found that a fixed belief, by heightening concerns about revealing prejudice to oneself and others, depressed interest in interracial interactions.

Stanford University

The men appear to have a fixed belief that the odour of the sewers contributes in a variety of ways to their general health".

The Guardian

Further, though Whites who were taught a fixed belief were more anxious and unfriendly in an interaction with a Black compared with a White individual, Whites who were taught a malleable belief were not (Study 5).

Stanford University

Take away the external edifice to expose the inner core of any man with a fixed belief system – one that might traditionally promote hardness over shyness, the repudiation of emotional expression – and what is often revealed is an anxiety of relevance.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A delusion is a false, fixed belief to which a person adheres, despite evidence to the contrary.

Huffington Post

"It can become a kind of fixed belief system".

The New York Times

This fixed belief system sparks a prejudice and hate for anything that threatens their belief about how life should be.

Huffington Post

Tip never lost his fixed belief in government as a curer of social ills: he was "an absolute, unrepentant, unreconstructed New Deal Democrat".

The New York Times - Books

Let's assume (2) is a fixed background belief.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fixed belief" to describe convictions that are resistant to change or contradictory evidence. Be mindful of the context, as it can sometimes imply rigidity or close-mindedness.

Common error

Avoid using "a fixed belief" when describing evolving perspectives or beliefs that are open to modification. Consider alternatives like "strong belief" or "firm conviction" to convey conviction without implying inflexibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fixed belief" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a conviction or idea that is firmly held and resistant to change. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fixed belief" is a noun phrase used to describe a firmly held conviction resistant to change. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, scientific, and academic domains. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the nuance of inflexibility it implies. Alternatives like "firm conviction" or "deeply ingrained belief" may be more suitable in certain contexts. The phrase is useful for explaining behaviors or attitudes stemming from unwavering convictions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unwavering conviction

Emphasizes the steadfast and resolute nature of the belief.

a firm conviction

Highlights the strength and stability of the belief.

a deeply ingrained belief

Focuses on how the belief is rooted deeply in one's mind.

a steadfast conviction

Stresses the consistency and reliability of the belief.

an unshakeable belief

Highlights the resilience of the belief against doubt or opposition.

a resolute belief

Implies a determined and unwavering adherence to the belief.

an immutable belief

Emphasizes the unchangeable nature of the belief.

a dogmatic belief

Highlights the rigid and uncompromising nature of the belief.

a preconceived notion

Implies a belief formed in advance, potentially without sufficient evidence.

an entrenched idea

Focuses on how firmly established the idea is within a system or person.

FAQs

How can I use "a fixed belief" in a sentence?

You can use "a fixed belief" to describe a conviction that is firmly held and resistant to change, for example, "His refusal to consider alternative viewpoints is rooted in a fixed belief that he is always right".

What can I say instead of "a fixed belief"?

You can use alternatives like "an unwavering conviction", "a firm conviction", or "a deeply ingrained belief" depending on the context.

Is it always negative to have "a fixed belief"?

Not necessarily. While "a fixed belief" can sometimes suggest rigidity, it can also refer to core values or principles that provide stability and guidance.

What's the difference between "a fixed belief" and "an open mind"?

"A fixed belief" implies a resistance to changing one's perspective, while "an open mind" signifies a willingness to consider new information and different viewpoints.