övertygelsen

Övertygelsen is a Swedish noun in definite form, meaning a firmly held belief or conviction. It can refer to a personal belief, a coherent system of beliefs that guides behaviour, or a moral, ethical, or religious stance. The term is neutral and can describe both individual convictions and collective or political ideologies, without indicating whether the belief is true or false.

Etymology and sense: the word originates from the verb övertyga, meaning to persuade, with a suffix that forms abstract nouns indicating a state. Thus övertygelsen denotes the state of being persuaded or convinced, i.e., a belief one holds firmly.

Usage and nuances: övertygelsen often implies a level of commitment and readiness to act in accordance with the belief. Common collocations include hold fast to one’s övertygelser, or express a strong övertygelse in societal issues. It can be used in religious, ethical, political, or personal contexts.

Relation to related terms: while tro commonly refers to faith or belief that may be rooted in religion or faith traditions, övertygelse stresses conviction that is typically defendable or defensible and may be based on experience, reason, or values rather than faith alone. Åsikt or uppfattning denotes a view or opinion, which may be less fixed than an övertygelse.

Forms and usage notes: the definite form is övertygelsen; plural övertygelser; possessive övertygelsens. In sensitive contexts, the term can carry moral weight, but it remains a descriptive expression of a person’s steadfast belief rather than a verdict on its validity.