settled belief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "settled belief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a belief that is firmly established and generally accepted over time. Example: "The settled belief among scientists is that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

A conviction is a settled belief that brooks no argument.

The Guardian - Business

The right backing Shorten wasn't really about unity, or a settled belief in his capacity; for many it was about pragmatism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He lacked the underground experience that Zawahiri had and, apart from his religious devotion, had few settled beliefs.

The New Yorker

His target is anyone who believes that "science is settled"—a belief he tries to ascribe to Barack Obama.

The Economist

If you're dealing with doubt, spending time with friends who have settled such beliefs can help you channel that doubt into an iron-clad decision (a faithful life).

WikiHow

The pity is that Walton then settled into the belief that his moment had passed, that the musical world had moved on and that he would die forgotten.

The New York Times - Arts

That's proof enough that they were behind the crash!' Later, he gave up on the Indian angle and settled on the belief that I was behind the crash.

The New Yorker

A wonderfully balanced and structured Penrith will offer more than Manly were capable of, but the Bulldogs will fancy their chances and be settled by the belief that they have the mettle to win the close games.

The Guardian - Sport

But the charter schools and the union are right about this: For too long, the district has settled into the belief that random metal detection is working, without bothering to gather evidence.

Los Angeles Times

Today the foreign-policy establishment has settled into the belief that Obama is not theirs, is temporary, and is on his way out (after, you know, a few more years).

Huffington Post

An astronomy professor who sued the University of Kentucky after claiming he lost out on a top job because of his Christian beliefs settled with the university.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settled belief" when you want to emphasize that a particular belief is not new, is widely accepted, and unlikely to change.

Common error

Avoid using "settled belief" to describe emerging or contentious ideas; it implies a level of acceptance and stability that may not exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settled belief" functions as a noun phrase, where 'settled' modifies 'belief'. It describes a particular kind of belief that is established and not easily changed. As Ludwig AI shows, it is used to refer to beliefs that are generally accepted.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settled belief" refers to an established and widely accepted idea. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While not exceedingly common, "settled belief" effectively conveys the notion of a stable, long-held conviction, which is very useful in formal and neutral settings. Remember to use it only when referring to beliefs that are already well accepted, using alternatives like "firm conviction" or "deep-rooted conviction" when the belief is not necessarily settled.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firmly held belief

Indicates a strong commitment to the belief.

firm conviction

Emphasizes the strength and resoluteness of the belief.

unwavering belief

Suggests that the belief is constant and never falters.

certain conviction

Focuses on the sureness and lack of doubt in the belief.

deep-rooted conviction

Highlights the long-held and ingrained nature of the belief.

established conviction

Focuses on the belief being recognized and validated over time.

ingrained belief

Stresses how the belief is deeply embedded in one's mindset.

unchanging conviction

Highlights the permanence and stability of the belief.

confirmed belief

Emphasizes that the belief has been validated or proven true.

fixed idea

Implies a belief that is resistant to change or counter-arguments.

FAQs

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

You can use "settled belief" to indicate a firmly established and widely accepted idea. For example: "It is a "settled belief" among scientists that climate change is occurring."

What are some alternatives to "settled belief"?

Some alternatives include "firmly held belief", "established conviction", or "deep-rooted conviction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "settled belief" the same as "superstition"?

No, "settled belief" typically refers to a rational and well-supported idea, while "superstition" implies an irrational belief, often based on fear or ignorance.

Can a "settled belief" ever change?

Yes, while "settled belief" suggests stability, new evidence or perspectives can challenge and potentially alter even the most established ideas over time.