believe
verb
be·lieve bə-ˈlēv 
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
Synonyms
- accept
- buy
- credit
- swallow
- take
- trust
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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. See More
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. See More Recent Examples on the Web Those who believe in Matthew Stafford and the Rams may be eyeing the moneyline, as the Rams are +125 to win the game. Catena Media, oregonlive, 2 Sep. 2022 Politicians who believe in combating climate change and see nuclear power as a possible tool can find themselves in a tough spot. Paul Vieira, WSJ, 2 Sep. 2022 That factor supported a political coalition of scientists interested in lunar research, China hawks eager to match and exceed a geopolitical rival, and entrepreneurs who believe in a future lunar economy. Tim Fernholz, Quartz, 2 Sep. 2022 Wait has become a minor celebrity among those in Wisconsin and beyond who do not believe President Joe Biden legitimately won the presidency in 2020. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 Our God is a living God, present here and now to give hope to all who believe and call on Him in prayer. Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 1 Sep. 2022 The collapse of Roe is also going to hit artificial reproductive technology, because the same people who believe personhood begins at conception obviously have a problem with a bunch of frozen embryos sitting in a laboratory. Emma Specter, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022 Those who believe that humanity can achieve the incomprehensible given enough time certainly do. Evan Coopersmith, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 From June 2020 to October 2021, there was a 16% increase in voters who believe there should be more police spending in their area, and a 10% decrease in those that say it should be decreased, according to surveys by Pew Research. Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2022 See More
Catena Media, oregonlive, 2 Sep. 2022 Politicians who believe in combating climate change and see nuclear power as a possible tool can find themselves in a tough spot. Paul Vieira, WSJ, 2 Sep. 2022 That factor supported a political coalition of scientists interested in lunar research, China hawks eager to match and exceed a geopolitical rival, and entrepreneurs who believe in a future lunar economy. Tim Fernholz, Quartz, 2 Sep. 2022 Wait has become a minor celebrity among those in Wisconsin and beyond who do not believe President Joe Biden legitimately won the presidency in 2020. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 1 Sep. 2022 Our God is a living God, present here and now to give hope to all who believe and call on Him in prayer. Elizabeth Berry, Woman's Day, 1 Sep. 2022 The collapse of Roe is also going to hit artificial reproductive technology, because the same people who believe personhood begins at conception obviously have a problem with a bunch of frozen embryos sitting in a laboratory. Emma Specter, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2022 Those who believe that humanity can achieve the incomprehensible given enough time certainly do. Evan Coopersmith, Forbes, 26 Aug. 2022 From June 2020 to October 2021, there was a 16% increase in voters who believe there should be more police spending in their area, and a 10% decrease in those that say it should be decreased, according to surveys by Pew Research. Aaron Navarro, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
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 the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1b
Phrases Containing believe
Kids Definition
believe
verb
be·lieve bə-ˈlēv
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.
Legal Definition
believe
transitive verb
be·lieve
believed; believing
: to consider to be true or honest
believer
noun
as in religionist
one who professes a religious faith for believers, it was sufficient proof that a miracle had occurred Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- religionist
- fundamentalist
- zealot
- theist
- deist
- churchgoer
- monotheist
- congregant
- cultist
- pietist
- communicant
- polytheist