DictionaryAI

believe

verb
Saybi-LEEV/bɪˈliv/UK/bɪˈliːv/

Formsbelieves, believing, believed

6 meanings of believe

Practice

  1. 1
    supposeverbtransitive
    To think or suppose that something is true.

    Like saying 'I think so' when you are fairly sure but not completely certain.

    I believe we have met before.

    She believed the meeting was on Monday.

    UsageSay I believe so or I don't believe so.

    Similarthink, reckon, hold

    Oppositedoubt

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To feel sure that something is true or that a person is telling the truth.

    Like feeling sure the sun will rise tomorrow, even though no one can prove it yet.

    I believe her story about the missing keys.

    Many people believed the rumor before checking the facts.

    UsageI believe you: you are telling the truth. I believe in you: you can do it.

    Similartrust, accept, credit

    Oppositedoubt, disbelieve, distrust, question

  3. 3
    approve ofverbintransitive
    To think that something is good and worth supporting.

    Like always sharing your snacks because you feel that sharing is right.

    We believe in treating everyone fairly.

    She has always believed in honesty.

    UsageSay I believe in hard work.

    Note
  4. 4
    religious faithverbintransitive
    To have faith in God or a religion.

    Like feeling sure someone cares about you even when they are far away.

    He doesn't go to church much, but he still believes in God.

    Many people believe and pray every day.

    Note
  5. 5
    have confidenceverbintransitive
    To feel sure that someone or something can succeed.

    Like cheering for a runner because you are sure they can win.

    I believe in you, and I know you can pass this test.

    Her coach always believed in the team.

    UsageSay believe in yourself.

    Similartrust

    Note
  6. 6
    think it existsverbintransitive
    To think that something really exists.

    Some children believe in monsters under the bed.

    He no longer believed in ghosts as an adult.

    UsageSay believe in ghosts, or believe what someone says.

    Note

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Origin

This word comes from Old English belīefan, meaning "to believe." It is related to German glauben and Dutch geloven.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts