Definition

1. Noun:
   • An unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence: A core conviction or principle that is held with absolute certainty, often forming the foundation of a person's worldview or ideology.
   • (Christianity) Any of the sections into which a creed or other statement of doctrine is divided: A distinct point or tenet within a formal religious creed, such as the articles of the Apostles' Creed.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Core Belief):
  • For him, the importance of free speech was more than an opinion; it was an article of faith.
  • The company's commitment to quality was an article of faith for its founder.
• Noun (Religious Doctrine):
  • The priest explained the article of faith concerning the resurrection of the body.
  • One key article of faith in the Nicene Creed is the belief in "one holy catholic and apostolic Church."

Advanced Usage

• "To hold something as an article of faith": To believe something with unwavering, often unquestioning, conviction.
  • The team held the coach's strategy as an article of faith, never doubting its effectiveness.

Variants and Related Words

• Tenet (n): A principle or belief, especially one of the main principles of a religion or philosophy.
  • The tenets of democracy include freedom and equality.
• Dogma (n): A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true.
  • The scientific community rejects dogma in favor of empirical evidence.
• Creed (n): A system of religious belief; a faith.
  • The creed summarizes the essential articles of faith.

Synonyms

• Conviction: A firmly held belief or opinion.
• Principle: A fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.
• Doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group.

Related Phrases

• Act of faith: An action demonstrating or requiring strong belief or trust.
  • Investing his life savings in the venture was a true act of faith.

Noun

1. an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
2. (Christianity) any of the sections into which a creed or other statement of doctrine is divided