Meaning & Definition of word "Believe"

Believe

/bɪˈliːv/

verb:

  • 1. to accept something as true, to have faith or confidence in something.
    • Example: I believe that hard work leads to success.
  • 2. to hold a strong conviction or to be convinced of something.
    • Example: She believes that kindness can change the world.
  • 3. to consider something to be true without having absolute proof.
    • Example: 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

believer:

A person who believes in a particular religion or ideology.

unbelieve:

To not believe; to reject something as false.

disbelieve:

To refuse to accept that something is true.

Slang Meanings of believe

Meaning: Believe that!

Example Sentence: He just won the championship, believe that!

Meaning: Can't believe it!

Example Sentence: I can't believe it, he actually did it!