settled conviction

USAGE SUMMARY

"settled conviction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a strongly held belief or opinion that has been held for a long time and is not likely to change. For example: She held a settled conviction that all people should be treated with respect and kindness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Will that distaste harden into a settled conviction that Mr Brown's number is up?

The Economist

It was the settled conviction of Lord Salisbury that the duty of a Conservative prime minister was to prevent change, since "whatever happens will be for the worse".

The Economist

That shuffling, however, was being asked to disrupt a France side with a settled conviction that it was destined to return to a World Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We are of opinion that a motion to dismiss the writ of error must prevail since it is settled that a conviction for a criminal, although summary, contempt is for the purposes of our reviewing power a matter of criminal law not within our jurisdiction on error.

Cornell University

The biographer embarked on her "grave duty" quite settled in the conviction that her version would define her friend's posterity: "the more fully she – Charlotte Brontë – the friend, the daughter, the sister, the wife, is known… the more highly she will be appreciated," she wrote.

The Guardian - Books

Scarred Life, Severed Family Carrying a box of religious and self-help books, a garbage bag full of legal documents and a few worn-out sweaters, Mr. Deskovic went from prison to Cobleskill, a speck of a town in central New York where his mother, Linda McGarr, settled after his conviction.

The New York Times

Perhaps not yet settled in his convictions about the score's shape and pace, let alone its introspective substance, Mr. Ashkenazy began to lean heavily on its brilliant surfaces.

The New York Times - Arts

But few cases involving public companies come within these guidelines because most investigations these days are settled without a criminal conviction but instead through a deferred or nonprosecution agreement that does not require any judicial oversight of the penalty.

The New York Times

Similarly, participating in a discussion at the Southbank Centre this weekend, I heard Canon Giles Goddard of St John's Church, Waterloo, say that he wasn't sure that there was a heaven as such, but settled for the vaguer conviction that the life-force is ultimately stronger then the death-force.

The Guardian - Opinion

The quarter Jewish (his maternal grandmother) boy without a home had at last found one that suited his head, if not his cockney heart; and the grudging London response to the 1989 revival of Stop The World probably settled him in that conviction.

The Guardian

What we are seeing is a president without settled or tested policy convictions, influenced by advisers with sharp knives and fundamentally different views of the world.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "settled conviction" to convey a sense of long-standing and deeply held belief that influences one's actions or decisions. It suggests a firm commitment to a principle or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "settled conviction" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its formality may sound stilted or pretentious in everyday contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "strong belief" or "firm opinion".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "settled conviction" functions as a noun phrase, where "settled" modifies "conviction". It describes a particular type of belief that is firmly established and unlikely to change. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "settled conviction" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to convey a deeply rooted and long-held belief, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it is most frequently encountered in news and media and academic contexts. It suggests a strong commitment to a principle and is best suited for formal writing and serious discussions. Alternatives such as "firm belief" or "strong opinion" may be preferable in casual settings. When using the term, ensure it accurately reflects a belief that is both enduring and influential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

firm belief

Emphasizes the strength and resoluteness of the belief.

strong opinion

Highlights the personal and subjective nature of the conviction.

deep-seated belief

Suggests the belief is ingrained and deeply rooted.

long-held view

Focuses on the duration and history of the opinion.

ingrained conviction

Highlights that the conviction is firmly established and difficult to change.

unwavering faith

Implies a strong, resilient belief that doesn't falter.

unshakeable belief

Suggests the belief is immune to doubt or challenge.

fixed idea

Suggests a belief that is resistant to change, possibly to an excessive degree.

deeply rooted conviction

Emphasizes the profound and fundamental nature of the belief.

established belief

Focuses on the confirmation and acceptance over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "settled conviction" to describe a deeply held belief. For example: "She acted on her "settled conviction" that everyone deserves equal opportunities."

What is a good substitute for "settled conviction"?

Alternatives to "settled conviction" include "firm belief", "strong opinion", or "deep-seated belief", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "settled conviction" imply about the belief?

"Settled conviction" suggests that the belief has been held for a long time and is unlikely to change easily. It indicates a strong and unwavering commitment.

Is it appropriate to use "settled conviction" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "settled conviction" is more appropriate for formal writing or serious discussions. In casual contexts, simpler phrases like "strong belief" are often preferred.