believe

play

verb be·lieve \ bə-ˈlēv \

Definition of believe

believed; believing

intransitive verb

1 a :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 Scriptures

b :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

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

—

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

Former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic believes Nemanja Matic's experience in winning league titles is a positive for Jose Mourinho's side.

— SI.com, "Nemanja Vidic Explains Why Matic Is So Important to Man Utd and Compares Serb to Red Devils Legend," 29 Aug. 2017
Authorities last week also declined to say whether the fire was believed to have started intentionally.

— emily k. coleman, Lake County News-Sun, "Police: Teen who was shot in head before his rescue from Grayslake fire has died," 29 Aug. 2017
Sourreya believes that, if there is any hope for woodland caribou, more government funding for these kinds of programs is necessary.

— joshua rapp learn, Smithsonian, "How Killing Moose Can Save Caribou," 29 Aug. 2017
On Thursday, Crews and Hoehn were arrested in connection with LaFontaine-Greywind’s disappearance after a newborn believed to be her baby girl was allegedly found with Crews in their apartment.

— harriet sokmensuer, PEOPLE.com, "Pregnant North Dakota Woman’s Mom Shares Heartbreak After Mysterious Killing: ‘She Loved Everyone’," 29 Aug. 2017
Levi's believes it's finally sewed up the answer to that question.

— olivia b. waxman, Time, "These Pants May Be the Oldest Pair of Women's Jeans in the World," 29 Aug. 2017
The combination of the fish and herb rice is believed to bring good luck.

— anya tchoupakov, Bon Appetit, "25 Recipes That Prove Cooking Fish Doesn't Have to Be Scary," 28 Aug. 2017
Playing in what Wolverines coach Ashley Ingish believed was the school's first appearance at the Joust, Waterford tied for third.

— mark stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Five takeaways: Brookfield East beats Menomonee Falls for volleyball title," 26 Aug. 2017
In modern times, Islamic terrorism is believed to be growing in the southern Philippines.

— randy dotinga, The Christian Science Monitor, "The real story behind Trump's Pershing tweet: how General Pershing handled Muslim insurgents," 26 Aug. 2017

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

believe Synonyms

Synonyms

accept, buy, credit, swallow, take, trust, set store by (or on)

Antonyms

disbelieve, discredit, reject

Related Words

account, accredit, understand; assume, presume, suppose; conclude, deduce, infer

Near Antonyms

distrust, doubt, misdoubt, mistrust, question, suspect; challenge, dispute

BELIEVE Defined for English Language Learners

believe

play

verb

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.

Law Dictionary

believe

transitive verb be·lieve

legal Definition of believe

believed; believing

:to consider to be true or honest

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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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Origin and Etymology of believe

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BELIEVE Defined for English Language Learners

believe

Definition of believe for English Language Learners

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believe

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Law Dictionary

believe

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