n.
Pronunciation: b ə - ' l ē f
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English beleave, probably alteration of Old English gel ē afa, from ge-, associative prefix + l ē afa; akin to Old English ly ̄ fan ― more at BELIEVE
Date: 12th century
1 : a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
2 : something believed especially : a tenet or body of tenets held by a group
3 : conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence
synonyms BELIEF , FAITH , CREDENCE , CREDIT mean assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance. BELIEF may or may not imply certitude in the believer <my belief that I had caught all the errors>. FAITH almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof <an unshakable faith in God>. CREDENCE suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent <a theory now given credence by scientists>. CREDIT may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof <gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness>. synonym see in addition OPINION