Beliefs % Doubts

Question 1

Deeply-held belief

Unshakable belief

Answer 1

When you strongly believe something, we call it a deeply-held belief or an unshakable belief.

Aaron is so arrogant; he seems to have an unshakable belief in his own superiority.

Question 2

Subconscious belief

Answer 2

a belief that you are not actively aware of

It’s possible to have a subconscious belief.

Question 3

Color your judgment (or judgement)

Answer 3

Influence your opinions/decisions

Don’t let your fears color your judgement

Question 4

Superstitions

Answer 4

irrational beliefs that have no basis in fact, like the number 13 being unlucky.

A lot of people believe in superstitions.

Question 5

Blind faith

Answer 5

Believe in something without thinking

Others have a blind faith in fate or destiny.

Question 6

Strengthen/ reinforce your belief

Answer 6

When new evidence appears, it can either strengthen/reinforce your belief or undermine/weaken your belief.

Meeting an 80-year-old professional athlete strengthened my belief that age is no limit!

Question 7

Undermine/weaken your belief

Answer 7

When new evidence appears, it can either strengthen/reinforce your belief or undermine/weaken your belief.

Question 8

Lead to erroneous conclusions

Answer 8

When forming your beliefs, be careful about making assumptions, which can lead to erroneous (wrong) conclusions.

Question 9

Common misconceptions

Answer 9

False beliefs held by many people are called common misconceptions.

There’s a common misconception that tomatoes are vegetables - but they’re technically fruits.

Question 10

Dispel misconceptions

Answer 10

eliminate misconceptions

Scientists and other researchers often publish material to help dispel misconceptions. - for example, contrary to popular belief, it’s not harmful to go swimming immediately after eating.

Question 11

Contrary to popular belief

Answer 11

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not harmful to go swimming immediately after eating.

Question 12

Beyond/ without a shadow of a doubt

Answer 12

If you are completely sure about something, then you can describe it as beyond/without a shadow of a doubt.

Question 13

Doubts arise

Answer 13

Sometimes doubts arise or another person voices their doubts thus making you reconsider.

Question 14

Sneaking suspicion

Answer 14

A persistent feeling

Maybe the doubts don’t even come from a fact, but you just have a sneaking suspicion that casts doubt on things you previously assumed to be true.

Question 15

Cast doubts on

Answer 15

Maybe the doubts don’t even come from a fact, but you just have a sneaking suspicion that casts doubts on things you previously assumed to be true.

Bill Clinton’s affair cast doubt on his honesty as a president.

Question 16

Gnawing/ lingering/ nagging/ niggling doubt

Answer 16

When you have a small doubt that persists and continues to bother you - this is called a gnawing/ lingering/ nagging/ niggling doubt.

Question 17

Rethink/ reexamine your beliefs

Answer 17

Nagging doubts might be an indication that it’s time to rethink/ reexamine your beliefs.

Question 18

Further consideration

Answer 18

After further consideration, you just might arrive at a different conclusion.

After further consideration, we decided to buy a van rather than a car.

Question 19

Arrive at a different conclusion

Answer 19

After further consideration, you just might arrive at a different conclusion.

Question 20

Voice doubts

Answer 20

We voiced doubts about the feasibility of the plan, but our colleagues said we were worrying too much.