BELIEVE

[verb] - to think that something is true, correct or realStrangely, no one believed us when we told them we'd been visited by a creature from Mars. [T]He believes that all children are born with equal intelligence. [+ that clause]She's arriving tomorrow, I believe. [+ speech]"Is she coming alone?" "We believe not/so (= We think she is not/is)." [+ not or so]You wouldn't believe who Ed's going to marry. [+ wh- word]I believe her to be the finest violinist in the world. [T + object + to infinitive]The robbers are believed to have escaped via Heathrow Airport. [T + object + to infinitive]All the crew are missing, believed dead. [T + object + adjective]To believe in something is to be certain that it exists.Do you believe in reincarnation?To believe in someone/something is to have confidence in that person or thing.I believe in the fundamental goodness of human nature.So he told you she was just a friend, did he? I don't believe a word (= any) of it!He's upstairs doing his homework, believe it or not/would you believe it? (= it is true, although it seems unlikely).She could hardly/couldn't believe her eyes/ears when she saw/heard (= was so surprised that she thought she imagined) what happened on the bus.I couldn't believe my luck (= was very surprised and very pleased) when I heard that I'd inherited my uncle's fortune.To make believe something is to pretend it.Let's make believe we are pirates and search for treasures. See also make-believe.If you say you will believe something when you see it you mean it seems so unlikely that you will not think it is true until you see proof of it.I'll believe someone on a motorcycle can jump over seventeen cars when I see it.