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

No basis exists today for believing it’s achievable.

— roger cohen, New York Times, "The One-State Two-State Blues", 17 Feb. 2017
Many Swiss citizens believe that the country needs changes to avoid being blacklisted by other countries for its low taxes.

— reuters, New York Times, "Swiss Voters Reject Plan to End Tax Breaks for Foreign Companies", 12 Feb. 2017
Erik Guay believes that downhill ski racers can improve with age.

— brian pinelli, New York Times, "At 35, Canadian Ski Racer Is Finding His Groove", 10 Feb. 2017
The omission of finance and the role of money from economic models is the biggest weakness in the field, Romer believes.

— john lanchester, New York Times, "The Major Blind Spots in Macroeconomics", 7 Feb. 2017
Both Kent Black and Bair’s partners at Desert Sun believed Bair owed them large sums of money.

— ariel hart, Doctors & Sex Abuse, "It’s not always who you think; reputation no indicator", 6 Jan. 2017
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 Jan. 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 Sep. 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 Jan. 2016

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!

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

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.