[be.lieve] vb be.lieved ; be.liev.ing [ME beleven, fr. OE belefan, fr. be- + lyfan, lefan to allow, believe; akin to OHG gilouben to believe, OE leof dear--more at love] vi (bef. 12c) 1 a: to have a firm religious faith b: to accept as true, genuine, or real "ideals we ~ in" "~s in ghosts"
2: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something "~ in exercise"
3: to hold an opinion: think "I ~ so" ~ vt 1 a: to consider to be true or honest "~ the reports" "you wouldn't ~ how long it took" b: to accept the word or evidence of "I ~ you" "couldn't ~ my ears"
2: to hold as an opinion: suppose "I ~ it will rain soon" -- be.liev.er n -- not believe : to be astounded at "I couldn't believe my luck"