believe
/bəˈliv/
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Type
Verb
Meaning
To accept something as true, genuine, or real.
Scientists believe the newly discovered fossil could be more than two million years old.
To hold a particular opinion or judgment without absolute certainty.
I believe we should review the contract once more before signing it.
To accept that what someone says is honest and accurate.
She looked straight into my eyes, so I had no reason not to believe her.
To have trust or confidence in the value, truth, or existence of something.
Many young entrepreneurs believe in continuous learning to stay competitive in business.
How it's used
When this means “accept a statement or person as honest”
- believe the report
“believe him.”
The jury chose to believe the witness after hearing the audio recordings.
When this means “have confidence or trust in something”
- believe in hard work
“believe in it.”
Our coaches believe in disciplined daily practice rather than last-minute preparation.
Collocations
- firmly believe
- hard to believe
- reason to believe
- believe in yourself
- believe it or not
Antonyms
- doubt
- disbelieve
- distrust
Idioms
make believe
to pretend or imagine that something is true
The children liked to make believe they were astronauts exploring distant planets.