Main Entry:: be·lieve
Pronunciation:: \bə-ˈlēv\
Function:: verb
Inflected Form(s):: be·lieved; be·liev·ing
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
Date:: before 12th century

intransitive verb1 a: to have a firm religious faith b: to accept 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 verb1 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>

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