established belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "established belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted idea or conviction that has been recognized over time. Example: "The established belief in the scientific community is that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Output showed that over half of all energy entering each sunspace originated as diffuse solar radiation, and that 60 70% of the total was transmitted through shallow-pitched roof glazing, in a pattern contrary to established belief.

Building and Environment

A sect is generally defined as a branch or denomination of an established belief system or mainstream church.

Wikipedia

Through meditation, one trains to take care of their own personal peace while moving beyond an established belief system -- in order to embrace a wider perspective.

Huffington Post

For example, the Freedom from Religion Foundation describes a freethinker as someone "who forms opinions about religion on the basis of reason, independently of tradition, authority, or established belief.

Huffington Post

Maclean, writing in the early nineteenth century, was concerned with demolishing the established belief in contagion, rather than constructing an elaborate system of environmental medicine in its place.

Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Although arthropods were collected from reproductive structures on various cycad taxa in the past, the scientific community largely ignored their potential role as pollinators due to the established belief that all cycads were anemophilous.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

During the Middle Ages, the maintenance of the established beliefs and forms of government remained the priority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While Nietzsche mounted a formidable intellectual challenge to established beliefs, these two religious teachers emphasised that freedom from suffering involved something beyond the intellect.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was subsequently called a heretic for his opposition to Evangelicalism, which stressed established beliefs, and he was held responsible by some for the Quaker schism of 1827 28.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We tend to treat our established beliefs as innocent until 'proved guilty'.

SEP

It is precisely because the multitude lacks both well established beliefs and an agreed-upon chronology, such as the Jews possess, that they succumb so easily to credulousness.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "established belief", ensure you're prepared to support or challenge it with evidence, as its validity can often be questioned or re-evaluated in light of new information.

Common error

Avoid treating an "established belief" as inherently true or beyond questioning. Critically assess its foundations and consider alternative perspectives to foster intellectual rigor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "established belief" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It identifies a concept or idea that is widely accepted or has been held for a considerable time. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "established belief" is a noun phrase denoting a widely accepted idea or conviction, as supported by Ludwig AI. Its function is primarily to reference a commonly held view, often for the purpose of analysis or critique. While the phrase is grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, it is crucial to avoid assuming its inherent validity. Alternatives like "accepted wisdom" or "prevailing view" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. The phrase finds frequent use in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, lending itself to formal and neutral registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

accepted wisdom

Highlights the idea's status as a common and unchallenged understanding.

conventional understanding

Stresses the conformity and agreement surrounding the belief.

mainstream thought

Focuses on the popularity and widespread adoption of an idea.

prevailing view

Focuses on the current widespread acceptance of an idea.

ingrained conviction

Suggests a deeply rooted and firmly held belief.

received knowledge

Highlights that the information has been inherited or passed down through generations.

traditional viewpoint

Emphasizes the historical aspect and long-standing nature of the belief.

time-honored idea

Emphasizes the age and historical significance of the idea.

orthodox opinion

Suggests a strict adherence to established doctrines or principles.

dominant ideology

Implies a more structured and influential system of beliefs.

FAQs

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

You can use "established belief" to refer to a widely accepted idea or conviction. For example: "The research challenged the "established belief" that all fats are bad for you."

What are some alternatives to "established belief"?

Some alternatives include "accepted wisdom", "prevailing view", or "traditional viewpoint". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always accurate to refer to something as an "established belief"?

Not necessarily. Just because a belief is "established" doesn't mean it's inherently true or accurate. It simply means that it's widely accepted or has been held for a long time. Critical evaluation is always important.

What's the difference between "established belief" and "common knowledge"?

"Common knowledge" refers to facts or information that are generally known by most people. An "established belief" is a broader concept that encompasses ideas, opinions, or convictions that are widely held, even if they aren't necessarily factual. They can be related, but they are not interchangeable.