believe

be·lieve

verb \bə-ˈlēv\

be·lievedbe·liev·ing

Definition of BELIEVE

intransitive verb

1

a : to have a firm religious faith 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>

— be·liev·er noun

— not believe

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

Examples of BELIEVE

1. The scientists believed the reports.
2. Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
3. You shouldn't believe everything you read.
4. He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
5. They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
6. He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
7. She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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

Origin 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

Related to BELIEVE

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

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with BELIEVE

Abib, achieve, aggrieve, bereave, cap sleeve, conceive, deceive, French leave, frost heave, Hoccleve, inweave, khedive, motive, naive, perceive, pet peeve, plain weave, qui vive, receive, relieve, reprieve, retrieve, shirtsleeve, shore leave, sick leave, unreeve, unweave, upheave