believe

/bɪˈliːv/
verbBeginner
formal

To accept something as true or real, often based on evidence, faith, or trust.

I believe in the power of kindness.

She believes that hard work leads to success.

💡

Can be used in both religious and non-religious contexts.

informal

To have faith or confidence in someone or something.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

He believes in his team's ability to win.

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Often used in personal or emotional contexts.

Collocations

believe inTo have faith or confidence in something or someone.believe thatTo accept a statement or idea as true.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

believe it or notphrase
Used to introduce surprising or unbelievable information.

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Believe' is often followed by 'in' when referring to abstract concepts or people, and 'that' when referring to specific statements or ideas.

Gold Rule

Subject-Verb Agreement

'Believe' is a regular verb, so its past tense is 'believed' and its past participle is also 'believed'.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'bileven,' from Old English 'beliefan,' meaning 'to hold dear, cherish, to have faith in.' Related to Old High German 'gilouben' and Old Norse 'lýða.'

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both transitively (with an object) and intransitively (without an object).

Word Breakdown

bel
Old English root meaning 'to love, value, or cherish.'
root
+
-ieve
Suffix indicating a state or condition, from Old English '-iefan.'
suffix
English Dictionary