English Words for "Opinions and Beliefs"

after one's own heart

phrase

/ˈæftɚ wˈʌnz ˈoʊn hˈɑːɹt/

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Idiom

used to describe someone or something that perfectly matches one's tastes, values, or preferences

Example

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He’s a man after my own heart; he loves hiking as much as I do.

The book you recommended is truly after my own heart.

What is the origin of the idiom "after one's own heart" and when to use it?

The idiom "after one's own heart" originated during the Middle Ages in English language usage. It draws upon the metaphorical concept of the heart as the center of one's emotions, desires, and character. The idea behind the expression is that when someone is "after one's own heart," they possess qualities, preferences, or values that resonate deeply with the individual. The idiom is used to describe someone who shares the same qualities, preferences, or values as the person being referred to. It is typically used to express approval, admiration, or affection for the individual. It signifies a strong sense of connection and compatibility based on shared characteristics or beliefs.

attitude

noun

a

æ

tt

t

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ə

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d

e

the typical way a person thinks or feels about something or someone, often affecting their behavior and decisions

agnostic

Adjective

a

æ

g

n

o

ɑ

s

t

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ɪ

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k

(of a person) believing that the existence of God or supernatural is unknown and unknowable

assertive

Adjective

a

ə

ss

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ɜ

r

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ɪ

v

e

confident in expressing one's opinions, ideas, or needs in a clear, direct, and respectful manner

unassertive

to be in a minority of one

phrase

/biː ɪn ɐ maɪnˈɔːɹɪɾi ʌv wˌʌn/

to have a particular point of view that is rare and unusual among others

belief

noun

b

e

ə

l

ie

i

f

something that we think is true or real

unbelief

to believe

Verb

b

e

ɪ

l

ie

i

v

e

to hold an opinion that something is the case

Grammatical Information:

transitive

biased

Adjective

b

ia

aɪə

s

e

d

t

having a preference or unfair judgment toward one side or viewpoint over others

to be worlds apart

phrase

/biː wˈɜːldz ɐpˈɑːɹt/

Collocation

to be vastly different from each other in terms of opinions, attitude, etc.

bumptious

Adjective

b

u

ʌ

m

p

t

ʃ

iou

ə

s

too confident or proud in expressing oneself, in a way that is annoying to others

consensus

noun

c

k

o

ə

n

s

e

ɛ

n

s

u

ə

s

an agreement reached by all members of a group

consistency

noun

c

k

o

ə

n

s

i

ɪ

s

t

e

ə

n

c

s

y

i

the quality of always acting or being the same way, or having the same opinions or standards

consistent

Adjective

c

k

o

ə

n

s

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ɪ

s

t

e

ə

n

t

following the same course of action or behavior over time

inconsistent

conviction

noun

c

k

o

ə

n

v

i

ɪ

c

k

t

ʃ

io

ə

n

a belief or opinion that is very strong

current

noun

c

k

u

ɑ

rr

r

e

ə

n

t

the presence or flow of a set of ideas, feelings, or opinions among a group of individuals

critic

noun

c

k

r

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ɪ

t

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ɪ

c

k

someone who evaluates and provides opinions or judgments about various forms of art, literature, performances, or other creative works

deep

Adjective

d

ee

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p

(of a person) difficult to fully understand or get close to, often refraining from sharing their true feelings or ideas with others

disposed

Adjective

d

i

ɪ

s

p

o

oʊ

s

z

e

d

having a specific feeling, opinion, or attitude about someone or something

devil's advocate

phrase

/dˈɛvəlz ˈædvəkˌeɪt/

Idiom

Informal

a person who pretends to disagree with an opinion or idea just to promote a discussion concerning a particular subject

What is the origin of the idiom "devil's advocate" and when to use it?

The idiom "devil's advocate" is believed to have originated in the 16th century. It is thought to have come from the Catholic Church's canonization process, in which a church official known as the "promotor fidei" (promoter of the faith) was tasked with arguing against the canonization of a candidate. The promotor fidei's job was to play the devil's advocate, presenting all the negative evidence against the candidate in order to ensure that the decision to canonize them was made carefully and objectively. This expression is used to describe someone who intentionally takes a position that is opposed to the majority opinion in order to stimulate debate or discussion.

dogma

noun

d

o

ɑ

g

m

a

ə

a belief or a belief system held by an authority who proclaims it to be undeniably true and expects immediate acceptance

dogmatic

Adjective

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ɑ

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m

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k

convinced that everything one believes in is true and others are wrong

don't-know

noun

/dˈoʊntnˈoʊ/

someone who does not provide a definite answer for a question, particularly when being asked in a poll

evangelical

Adjective

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v

a

æ

n

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ʤ

e

ɛ

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ə

l

very eager to persuade people to accept one's views or opinions

exponent

noun

e

ɛ

x

ks

p

o

oʊ

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ə

n

t

a supporter of a theory, belief, idea, etc. who tries to persuade others that it is true or good in order to gain their support

freethinker

noun

f

r

ee

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th

θ

i

ɪ

n

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ɜ

r

someone who has their own opinions, ideas, and beliefs rather than accepting other people's, especially about religion or politics

forceful

Adjective

f

o

ɔ

r

c

s

e

f

u

ə

l

(of people or opinions) strong and demanding in manner or expression

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