believe

[ bih-leev ]

verb (used without object)

, be·lieved, be·liev·ing.

1. to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so:

   Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.

verb (used with object)

, be·lieved, be·liev·ing.

1. to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to.
2. to have confidence in the assertions of (a person).
3. to have a conviction that (a person or thing) is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action or involved in a given situation:

   The fugitive is believed to be headed for the Mexican border.

4. to suppose or assume; understand (usually followed by a noun clause):

   I believe that he has left town.

verb phrase

1. 1. to be persuaded of the truth or existence of:

      to believe in Zoroastrianism; to believe in ghosts.

   2. to have faith in the reliability, honesty, benevolence, etc., of:

      I can help only if you believe in me.

believe

/ bɪˈliːv /

verb

1. tr; may take a clause as object to accept (a statement, supposition, or opinion) as true

   I believe God exists

2. tr to accept the statement or opinion of (a person) as true
3. intrfoll byin to be convinced of the truth or existence (of)

   to believe in fairies

4. intr to have religious faith
5. when tr, takes a clause as object to think, assume, or suppose

   I believe that he has left already

6. tr; foll by of; used with can, could, would, etc to think that someone is able to do (a particular action)

   I wouldn't have believed it of him

Derived Forms

• beˈlievable, adjective
• beˈlievably, adverb
• beˈlieving, nounadjective
• beˈliever, noun
• beˈlievaˌbility, noun

Other Words From

• be·liev·a·bil·i·ty [bih-leev-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], be·liev·a·ble·ness noun
• be·liev·a·ble adjective
• be·liev·a·bly adverb
• be·liev·er noun
• be·liev·ing·ly adverb
• half-be·lieved adjective
• half-be·liev·ing adjective
• pre·be·lieve verb prebelieved prebelieving
• su·per·be·liev·a·ble adjective
• su·per·be·liev·a·ble·ness noun
• su·per·be·liev·a·bly adverb
• well-be·lieved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of believe¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English bileven, equivalent to bi- be- + leven, Old English (Anglian) gelēfan (cognate with Dutch gelooven, German glauben, Gothic galaubjan )

Word History and Origins

Origin of believe¹

Old English beliefan

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. make believe. make ¹( def 68 ).

More idioms and phrases containing believe

• lead one to believe
• make believe
• you'd better believe it
• seeing is believing

Example Sentences

“The experts were astonished. They found new plants and told us they’ve been doing research for decades and never seen these species. They were very excited. We couldn’t believe that something we had taken for granted nearby was such a treasure.”

From BBC

It was Hollywood make believe, a phony fire created for the filming of a movie.

From Los Angeles Times

A Santa Clarita man was charged this week in what federal prosecutors believe is the country’s first death due to a synthetic opioid three times stronger than fentanyl.

From Los Angeles Times

Archaeologists found traces of ash, charcoal, and what they believe may be tar crystals, as well as elements such as zinc and copper in the Vanguard Cave hearth.

From Science Magazine

I believe there is an aftertaste so you can take that short-term approach.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• consider
• expect
• feel
• hold
• maintain
• presume
• speculate
• suppose
• suspect
• take
• think
• understand