35 Belief systems

A People and their beliefs

person definition related words
adherent (of) a person who supports a particular idea or party adherence, to adhere to
convert (to) someone who has taken on a new set of beliefs conversion, to convert
fanatic (disapproving) someone with a very strong belief fanaticism, fanatical
that something is great
radical someone who believes there should be extreme radicalism, to radicalise
change, often political
reactionary (disapproving) someone opposed to change or reaction, to react
new ideas

B A definition of one belief

FEMINISM The modern feminist movement seeks equal political, economic and
social rights for women. The main theoretical assumption1 shared by all branches of
the movement derives from2 the belief that there has been a historical tradition of male
exploitation of women. Feminists are anxious to eradicate3 this exploitation, giving both
genders equal opportunities, for example, in terms of education and employment. In some
workplaces, for example, feminists have complained about employers being biased in
favour of4 male staff or prejudiced against5 female employees and they have campaigned
for maternity/paternity leave6 and childcare facilities to allow women to combine family
and work commitments7 more easily.

1
unquestioning acceptance that something is true2 has its origins in3 abolish or get rid of
4
showing an unreasonable liking for, based on opinions rather than facts5 showing an unreasonable
dislike for, based on opinions rather than facts6 time off for a mother/father around the time of a
babys birth7 responsibilities, things that you must do

C Other words and expressions relating to believing

Jans viewpoint / point of view is that we should just wait and see what happens next. [way of
thinking about a situation]
The boy produced a barely credible excuse for arriving late. [believable; opp. = incredible]
I was incredulous when she told me she was quitting her job to go to New Zealand. [not
wanting or able to believe something]
Hes very gullible he believes anything you tell him. [easily tricked into believing things that may
not be true]
You should try to be less subjective about the situation. [influenced by beliefs or feelings rather
than facts; opp. = objective]
Cant you find a more plausible excuse than that? [convincing; opp. = implausible]
Many scholars attribute this anonymous poem to Dante. [consider something to be caused or
created by]
I presume that Meena told you what happened. [believe something to be true although you are not
totally certain]
We should give her the benefit of the doubt. [accept that someone is telling the truth even though it
is not certain]
You should take what he says with a pinch of salt hes inclined to exaggerate. [do not totally
believe what you are told]

76 English Vocabulary in Use Advanced