Believe

/bɪˈliːv/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to accept something as true, to have faith or confidence in something.
I believe that hard work leads to success.
to hold a strong conviction or to be convinced of something.
She believes that kindness can change the world.
to consider something to be true without having absolute proof.
He believes that ghosts are real.

Etymology

From Old English 'believian', from a compound of 'be-' meaning 'thoroughly' and 'leofan' meaning 'to hold dear'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

believe in oneself:
To have confidence in one's own abilities.
to believe one's ears:
To trust what one is hearing.
believe it or not:
Something that may seem surprising but is true.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Believe that!
He just won the championship, believe that!
Can't believe it!
I can't believe it, he actually did it!