believe

verb be·lieve \ bə-ˈlēv \

|Updated on: 17 Jul 2018

Examples: believe in a Sentence

Definition of believe

believed; believing

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

intransitive verb

1 a : to accept something as true, genuine, or real

ideals we believe in

believes in ghosts

b : 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

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

—

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

The defender also believes the hostile receptions Ozil and Gundogan were receiving prior to the World Cup, due to them having a photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, had a detrimental effect on the national team.

— SI.com, "Philipp Lahm Says German Boss Joachim Löw Must Change Leadership Style in Order to Succeed Again," 13 July 2018
No other details were released, but many believe this could lead to possible indictments.

— doj, USA TODAY, "Live stream: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein holds press conference," 13 July 2018
According to the press release, researchers now believe the second Amerbach papyrus was stolen from the Ravenna collection and traded amongst art collectors.

— meilan solly, Smithsonian, "Researchers Unlock Secrets of Basel Papyrus," 13 July 2018
The rest of us, like most other Americans, unapologetically believed that Jordan was the greatest player in the world.

— angelica baker, Vogue, "Going One-on-One with Greatness at Michael Jordan’s Summer Camp," 13 July 2018
Toni Roberts, 61, believes the company's talcum powder products caused her ovarian cancer, and a jury in Missouri agreed.

— jericka duncan, CBS News, "Johnson & Johnson still battling thousands of cases involving its talcum powder," 13 July 2018
Ormand believes Lilis has checked all of these boxes.

— jordan blum, San Antonio Express-News, "Lilis may be an acquisition target," 13 July 2018
For example, 39% of those surveyed believed that less than half of Wisconsin high school seniors applying to UW-Madison are admitted.

— karen herzog, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Retro UW-Madison delivery van hits road with myth-busting facts, Babcock ice cream," 13 July 2018
After the agreement became known, the company attempted to downplay the deal by maintaining its staff subsequently believed that Cohen was unlikely to deliver on providing sufficient access after a single meeting in March 2017.

— ed silverman, STAT, "Novartis, Michael Cohen contacts were more extensive than previously disclosed," 13 July 2018

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

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1b

See Words from the same year