Main Entry: be·lieve

Pronunciation: \bə-ˈlēv\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): be·lieved; be·liev·ing

Etymology: Middle English beleven, from Old English belēfan, from be- + lȳfan, lēfan to allow, believe; akin to Old High German gilouben to believe, Old English lēof dear — more at love

Date: before 12th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to have a firm religious faith b : to accept as true, genuine, or real <ideals we believe in> <believes in ghosts>
2 : to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something <believe in exercise>
3 : to hold an opinion : think <I believe so>transitive verb 1 a : to consider to be true or honest <believe the reports> <you wouldn't believe how long it took> b : to accept the word or evidence of <I believe you> <couldn't believe my ears>
2 : to hold as an opinion : suppose <I believe it will rain soon>

— be·liev·er noun

— not believe : to be astounded at <I couldn't believe my luck>