believe
[ bih-leev ]
/ bɪˈliv /
verb (used without object), be·lieved, be·liev·ing.
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.
to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to.
to have confidence in the assertions of (a person).
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.
to suppose or assume; understand (usually followed by a noun clause): I believe that he has left town.
Verb Phrases
believe in,
- to be persuaded of the truth or existence of: to believe in Zoroastrianism; to believe in ghosts.
- to have faith in the reliability, honesty, benevolence, etc., of: I can help only if you believe in me.
Idioms for believe
make believe.
make1(def 68).
Origin of believe
1150–1200; Middle English
bileven, equivalent to
bi-
be- +
leven, Old English (Anglian)
gelēfan (cognate with Dutch
gelooven, German
glauben, Gothic
galaubjan)
OTHER WORDS FROM believe
Words nearby believe
belgrano,
belgravia,
belial,
belie,
belief,
believe,
believe it or not,
believe one's ears,
believing,
belike,
belinda
Example sentences from the Web for believe
British Dictionary definitions for believe
believe
/ (bɪˈliːv) /
verb
(tr; may take a clause as object)
to accept (a statement, supposition, or opinion) as true
I believe God exists
(tr)
to accept the statement or opinion of (a person) as true
(intr foll by in)
to be convinced of the truth or existence (of)
to believe in fairies
(intr)
to have religious faith
(when tr, takes a clause as object)
to think, assume, or suppose
I believe that he has left already
(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 of believe
Word Origin for believe
Old English
beliefan
Idioms and Phrases with believe
believe