intellectual conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

'intellectual conviction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a strong and earnest belief or opinion based on reasoning or thought, rather than based on emotion. For example, "He was comforting and understanding, yet his words were on point and backed up with intellectual conviction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It could be a matter of sheer intellectual conviction.

The New York Times

Some transformation is necessary, along with intellectual conviction.

The New York Times

He may, with deep intellectual conviction, have no idea he cannot possibly win.

The Guardian - Opinion

He repeatedly advocated individual freedom in matters of personal morality, intellectual conviction and religious belief.

The Guardian - Opinion

His passion and anger were borne of first-hand experience, not just intellectual conviction.

The Guardian - Film

Professor Dawkins's great intellectual conviction is that evolution is progressive, and tends to lead to more and more complexity.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He demonstrates the power of the aesthetic to overrule our normal taste, morality, and intellectual convictions.

The New Yorker

Peter's origins – the more recent ones – betrayed his intellectual convictions.

The Guardian - Books

"You therefore find a conflict between your strongest intellectual convictions and your deepest emotional gratification needs?" he asked.

The New Yorker

It's hard not to conclude that Loury's intellectual positions today reflect shifting personal needs as much as shifting intellectual convictions.

The New York Times - Magazine

The review process is grueling and uncertain; its outcome may be affected by commercial or political trends that influence what research issues are considered "important", or by the intellectual convictions or interests of particular reviewers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intellectual conviction" to convey a sense of reasoned and considered belief, especially when contrasting it with emotional or unsubstantiated opinions.

Common error

Avoid using "intellectual conviction" when describing beliefs that are based solely on faith or emotion. The phrase implies a basis in reason and evidence, so ensure your usage reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intellectual conviction" functions as a noun phrase, where "intellectual" modifies "conviction". It describes a type of strong belief or opinion that is rooted in reason and careful thought, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "intellectual conviction" describes a strong belief rooted in reason and logical thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for conveying considered opinions, especially in contrast to beliefs based solely on emotion or faith. Predominantly found in news, academic, and encyclopedic contexts, this phrase emphasizes the depth and justification behind a stated belief. When using this term, ensure it accurately reflects a reasoned basis for the belief, differentiating it from a mere opinion. As Ludwig examples show, it highlights well-thought-out positions rather than arbitrary stances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intellectual belief

A more general term for a belief based on intellectual reasoning.

intellectual judgment

Emphasizes the process of forming an opinion through reasoning.

intellectual persuasion

Highlights the act of convincing someone through reasoned arguments.

cultural conviction

Focuses on beliefs rooted in cultural values and norms.

ideological conviction

Emphasizes beliefs stemming from a particular ideology or political stance.

moral conviction

Focuses on firmly held beliefs about right and wrong.

deep-seated belief

Indicates a firmly held belief that is deeply ingrained.

spiritual conviction

Deals with deeply held beliefs related to spirituality or faith.

profound intellectual stance

Highlights a significant and well-considered intellectual position.

academic conviction

Relates to strong beliefs held within an academic or scholarly context.

FAQs

How can I use "intellectual conviction" in a sentence?

Use "intellectual conviction" to describe a firmly held belief based on reason and logical thought, as in "Her arguments were delivered with both passion and intellectual conviction".

What phrases are similar to "intellectual conviction"?

Similar phrases include "intellectual belief", "intellectual persuasion", and "moral conviction", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "intellectual conviction" the same as "opinion"?

While both involve a belief, "intellectual conviction" implies a stronger, more reasoned and justified belief than a simple opinion. An opinion may be casually held, while an intellectual conviction is deeply considered.

Can "intellectual conviction" be misplaced or incorrect?

Yes, one can hold an intellectual conviction that is later proven wrong. The phrase refers to the strength of the belief and its grounding in reason at the time, not necessarily its ultimate accuracy.