Definition of believe
believed
;believing
intransitive verb
1a : to have a firm or wholehearted religious conviction or persuasion : to regard the existence of God as a fact Do you believe? —usually used with in believe in the Scripturesb : to accept something 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
1a : to consider to be true or honest believe the reports you wouldn't believe how long it tookb : 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
believer
nounnot believe
: to be astounded at I couldn't believe my luck
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Examples of believe in a Sentence
I have watched the many ways that teachers demonstrate pleasure in what students have said or done. I used to believe that teachers needed to present a stoic face for fear of losing control—as if smiling caused bad behavior. —Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time. —Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life. —Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports.
Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Recent Examples of believe from the Web
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Muslims believe the hilltop marks the spot from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
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This official designation refers to those still believed to be lawfully detained under the law of war, but unanimously recommended for repatriation or resettlement by an interagency group of career officials.
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The researchers believe this component is due to the herders bringing their own dogs, which then mixed with the local farming dogs.
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Some of the players, including some who’d grown up believing Mandela was a terrorist, were overcome with emotion.
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The same man is believed to have robbed the pharmacy shortly after 9 p.m. July 8 by grabbing money from a cash register during a transaction, police said.
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Earlier: An Amber Alert has been issued for three children believed to have been abducted by their mother and in danger.
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Additional police were sent to the area and attempts were made to locate the suspect, who was believed to still be in the residence.
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No charges were filed during that visit, but deputies believe Couto left the home and walked to the sheriff’s office to slash the tires.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'believe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of believe
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
BELIEVE Defined for English Language Learners
believe
playDefinition of believe for English Language Learners
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: to accept or regard (something) as true
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: to accept the truth of what is said by (someone)
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: to have (a specified opinion)
BELIEVE Defined for Kids
believe
playDefinition of believe for Students
believed
;believing
1 : to have faith or confidence in the existence or worth of I don't believe in ghosts. He believes in daily exercise.
2 : to accept as true Don't believe everything you read.
3 : to accept the word of They didn't believe me.
4 : to hold an opinion : think I believe I'll have more time later.
Law Dictionary
believe
Legal Definition of believe
believed
believing
: to consider to be true or honest
Learn More about believe
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See words that rhyme with believe Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for believe Spanish Central: Translation of believe Nglish: Translation of believe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of believe for Arabic speakers
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