believer

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "believer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who has faith in an idea or concept, or in a higher power. For example: "Dave is a firm believer in the power of positive thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Myths are hard to scotch, especially if believing them causes the believer no immediate harm, which is why plenty of people still think the world was created in a week.There is a lot at stake here.

The Economist

"I am a believer in anti-corruption bodies but they've got to run it seriously and not defame people and not grill people when they don't have any real evidence".

The Guardian

He is "a great believer in retrospective policy.

The Guardian - Film

Mrs Thatcher is a believer, a crusader, whose mission as prime minister was to galvanise Britain out of the stupefied state into which it had descended in the 70s.

The Guardian

Second, the chancellor is an ardent believer in expansionary fiscal contraction: the idea that as you retrench the public sector, the private sector will automatically and immediately step in to fill the gap.

The Guardian - Opinion

He too claims to be a firm believer in the healing powers of Tiens, and acted as my translator throughout the seminar, seemingly on Wasswa's instruction.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

When Pope Francis received Eugenio Scalfari for a meeting at the Vatican last week, it was, Scalfari wrote later, a meeting of the leader of the Catholic church with "a non-believer who loves the human face of Jesus".

The Guardian

Despite this, however, contact between the pope and the celebrated "non-believer" appears to have continued, with Francis inviting Scalfari to his guesthouse on Vatican grounds last Thursday.

The Guardian

It's that, however we worship, we're all equal and full citizens… And that means that when we approach the government, when we petition the government, we do so not as a Christian, not as a Jew, not as a Muslim, not as a non-believer, only as an American.

The Economist

Sectarian tensions between majority Sunnis and Turkey's tiny Alawite population, fiercely loyal to Mr Assad, a co-believer, are another worry.

The Economist

For decades, the loudest boffin-on-believer fights involved the teaching of evolution in public schools (a battle the boffins nearly always won), followed more recently by disputes about stem-cell research.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "true believer", make sure their actions align with their proclaimed convictions, adding credibility to their stance.

Common error

While "believer" is widely understood, consider more nuanced synonyms like "advocate", "supporter", or "adherent" in informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal or intense.

Linguistic Context

The word "believer" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an individual who holds a firm conviction or faith in something, whether it be religious, ideological, or practical. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a commonly used term to describe someone with strong convictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "believer" is a versatile noun used to describe someone with strong convictions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards formal, particularly in news and media contexts. Consider synonyms like "adherent" or "supporter" in more casual settings. Remember that calling someone a "true believer" implies a deep commitment, which can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation. The word is frequently used in "News & Media", "Formal & Business" and "Science", reflecting its relevance across diverse areas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adherent

Focuses more on loyalty and support to a cause or leader.

supporter

Emphasizes active backing and promotion of something.

advocate

Highlights public endorsement and championing of a belief.

devotee

Suggests a strong, often religious or spiritual, commitment.

zealot

Implies excessive and uncompromising enthusiasm.

disciple

Refers to a follower or student of a particular teacher or philosophy.

convert

Indicates someone who has changed their beliefs.

upholder

Stresses the act of maintaining and defending a principle or tradition.

partisans

Highlights strong allegiance to a specific party or cause often in a political context.

loyalist

Signifies unwavering allegiance, often to a government or ruler.

FAQs

How can I use "believer" in a sentence?

You can use "believer" to describe someone who strongly holds a particular belief or conviction. For instance, "She is a staunch believer in the power of education."

What's a more casual alternative to "believer"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "fan", "supporter", or "advocate" as less formal substitutes for "believer".

Is it always appropriate to call someone a "true believer"?

Calling someone a "true believer" implies a deep and unwavering commitment. Use this term carefully, as it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, suggesting blind faith or fanaticism.

How does "believer" differ from "follower"?

"Believer" emphasizes a conviction in an idea or principle, while "follower" /s/follower focuses on adhering to a person or group. You can be a follower without necessarily being a true believer in the underlying ideology.