believe

play

verb be·lieve \bə-ˈlēv\

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

noun

not believe

: to be astounded at I couldn't believe my luck

See believe defined for English-language learners

See believe defined for kids

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

Mr. Bungat said the assault was believed to have been led by a bandit known as Commander Derbie, who once led a faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Philippines’ largest rebel group.

— felipe villamor, New York Times, Philippines Jailbreak Frees More Than 150 Inmates, Prompting Manhunt, 4 January 2017
Duke also knows and believes that McGarrett is an important part of that safety net.

— Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Chun’s beloved Sgt. Duke is a mainstay for Five-0, 9 September 2016
But there was no reason to believe that what the developers were representing wasn’t true.

— katharine q. seelye, New York Times, Fraud Charges Mar a Plan to Aid a Struggling Vermont Region, 10 May 2016
And these people tend to be psychotic, delusional bible nuts who believe in magic.

— matt miller, Esquire, Here Are All the Reasons Ted Cruz Has Been Hated Since Birth, 15 March 2016
The large U.S. city with the most troublesome pronunciation is, believe it or not, Los Angeles.

— ken jennings, CNT, Why You Might Be Saying 'Berlin' Wrong, 25 January 2016
Proust believes in evocations; James in implications.

— adam gopnik, The New Yorker, The peculiar radiance of James’s late memoirs., 18 January 2016
Eisenhower believed that only his threat of nuclear war had achieved an armistice in Korea.

— stephen sestanovich, The Atlantic, The Long History of Leading From Behind, 21 December 2015
Acolytes believe tai chi will give them a life span exceeding 100 years.

— victor ozols, Esquire, Choose Your Weapon, 30 July 2006

These example sentences are collected from online sources. Help us improve them by sending 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

First Known Use: before 12th century

BELIEVE Defined for English Language Learners

believe

play

verb be·lieve \bə-ˈlēv\

Definition of believe for English Language Learners

: to accept or regard (something) as true
: to accept the truth of what is said by (someone)
: to have (a specified opinion)

BELIEVE Defined for Kids

believe

play

verb be·lieve \bə-ˈlēv\

Definition 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.