Advertisement
Advertisement
believe
[ bih-leev ]
verb (used without object)
- to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so:
Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.
verb (used with object)
- to have confidence or faith in the truth of (a positive assertion, story, etc.); give credence to.
- to have confidence in the assertions of (a person).
- to have a conviction that (a person or thing) is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action or involved in a given situation:
The fugitive is believed to be headed for the Mexican border.
- to suppose or assume; understand (usually followed by a noun clause):
I believe that he has left town.
verb phrase
- to be persuaded of the truth or existence of:
to believe in Zoroastrianism; to believe in ghosts.
- to have faith in the reliability, honesty, benevolence, etc., of:
I can help only if you believe in me.
believe
/ ɪˈː /
verb
- tr; may take a clause as object to accept (a statement, supposition, or opinion) as true
I believe God exists
- tr to accept the statement or opinion of (a person) as true
- intrfoll byin to be convinced of the truth or existence (of)
to believe in fairies
- intr to have religious faith
- when tr, takes a clause as object to think, assume, or suppose
I believe that he has left already
- tr; foll by of; used with can, could, would, etc to think that someone is able to do (a particular action)
I wouldn't have believed it of him
Derived Forms
- ˈ𱹲, adjective
- ˈ𱹲, adverb
- ˈ𱹾Բ, nounadjective
- ˈ𱹱, noun
- ˈ𱹲ˌٲ, noun
Other Word Forms
- ·····ٲ [bih-leev-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], ····Ա noun
- ··· adjective
- ··· adverb
- ·· noun
- ··Բ· adverb
- -·𱹱 adjective
- -··Բ adjective
- ··𱹱 verb prebelieved prebelieving
- su·per···· adjective
- su·per·····Ա noun
- su·per···· adverb
- ɱ-·𱹱 adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of believe1
Idioms and Phrases
- make believe. make 1( def 68 ).
More idioms and phrases containing believe
- lead one to believe
- make believe
- you'd better believe it
- seeing is believing
Example Sentences
Before this era, most investors believed that skilled professionals who were well-informed could outsmart the market by uncovering hidden opportunities.
Hundreds of criminals across the UK who believed their Encrochat communications were 100% secure have been brought to justice since the platform was hacked by Dutch and French police in late 2019.
Mr Valentine said he believed the garage he bought the car from was also duped, and he now hoped to get his money and deposit back for the vehicle.
Mr Modry told the BBC the separatist movement has grown in recent months - driven in part, he believes, by the president's rhetoric.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously said the administration would terminate status for people whose actions the administration believes run counter to US interests.
Advertisement
How Do You Spell Believe?
Spelling tips for believe
The word believe is hard to spell for two reasons. First, because it can be hard to remember the order of the i and e. Sometimes people want to spell it beleive, which is incorrect. Second, because it is pronounced [ bih-leev ], which makes you think there may be a second i in the word, as in bilieve.
How to spell believe: The easiest way to remember how to spell believe is with the classic mnemonic device: “I before E, except after C.” Believ[ing] is an important part of “being alive”, which reminds you that the first syllable is be, not bi.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse