believe

verb

be·​lieve bə-ˈlēv How to pronounce believe (audio)
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
Phrases
not believe
: to be astounded at
I couldn't believe my luck

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 on the Web Carstens believes even the Biden administration’s negotiation process to secure the release last year of six Americans wrongfully detained in Venezuela can be directly traced to her advocacy. Max Ufberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Mar. 2024 Authorities believe the pair fled in a gray four-door Honda Civic that had been reported stolen. Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 The third corrections officer was wounded by gunfire from a responding police officer, who believed the shooter was inside the emergency department and saw an armed individual near the door, officials said. Dalia Faheid, CNN, 22 Mar. 2024 Regarding technology, a key finding is the share of executives who believe AI (including generative AI) and digital technologies will have a significant effect on their businesses by 2030 increased from 56% last year to 65% this year. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 Eighty-five percent of Millennial parents believe that social media gives rise to unrealistic parenting expectations. Tyler Santora, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 Amelia Pleasant Kennedy, CEO and founder of A Pleasant Solution and clutter coach, believes spring is an excellent time to refresh your home and spaces. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 21 Mar. 2024 While it is believed April Fools' became more established in the 1580s, the idea of pranking someone on this day was first referenced a few decades prior, according to the Library of Congress. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2024 At 22, Eilish has now become the youngest two-time winner in Oscar history; at 26, O’Connell is believed to be the second youngest dual winner. Jon Burlingame, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'believe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of believe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near believe

Cite this Entry

“Believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believe. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

believe

verb
be·​lieve bə-ˈlēv How to pronounce believe (audio)
believed; believing
1
: to have a firm religious faith
2
: to have faith or confidence in the existence or worth of
believe in ghosts
believe in regular exercise
3
: to accept as true
believe the reports
4
: to accept the word or evidence of
they believed us
I could hardly believe my ears
5
: to hold as an opinion : think
believe it will rain
believable
-ˈlē-və-bəl
adjective
believably
-blē
adverb
believer noun

Legal Definition

believe

transitive verb
be·​lieve
believed; believing
: to consider to be true or honest

More from Merriam-Webster on believe

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