v. 1 tr. accept as true or as conveying the truth (I believe it; don't believe him; believes what he is told). 2 tr. think, suppose (I believe it's raining; Mr Smith, I believe?). 3 intr. (foll. by in) a have faith in the existence of (believes in God). b have confidence in (a remedy, a person, etc.) (believes in alternative medicine). c have trust in the advisability of (believes in telling the truth). 4 intr. have (esp. religious) faith. believe one's ears (or eyes) accept that what one apparently hears or sees etc. is true. believe it or not colloq. it is true though surprising. make believe (often foll. by that + clause, or to + infin.) pretend (let's make believe that we're young again). would you believe it? colloq. = believe it or not. believable adj. believability n.
[ OE belyfan, belefan, with change of prefix f. gelefan f. Gmc: rel. to LIEF ]