a widespread belief — commonly held opinion
an idea or opinion that many people in a society or group accept as true, even if it may not be based on evidence.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is a commonly held and prevalent conviction that the moon affects mood.
Native There's a widespread belief that the moon affects mood.
'Commonly held prevalent conviction' stacks synonyms; 'a widespread belief that' is cleaner.
Pattern: It is a widespread belief that + clause | There is a widespread belief (among/in) + group
In use
- There is a widespread belief that eating late at night leads to weight gain, although research does not fully support this.society
- In my country, there is a widespread belief that success is mainly a result of hard work, but I think other factors, like opportunity, also play a significant role.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ a widespread belief of ghosts.
✓ a widespread belief in ghosts. / a widespread belief that ghosts exist.
'A belief IN something' or 'a belief THAT...', not 'of'.
Common collocations
a widespread belief that— that, in, there's, contrary to the
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'a belief' (any personal opinion), 'a widespread belief' refers to something many people share. It is more formal and general than 'a common belief,' which can sound more casual.