/ bɪˈliːv; NAmE / verb
(not used in the progressive tenses)
FEEL CERTAIN
1.
to feel certain that sth is true or that sb is telling you the truth :
[ vn ]
I don't believe you!
I believed his lies for years.
The man claimed to be a social worker and the old woman believed him.
I find that hard to believe .
Believe me, she's not right for you.
Don't believe a word of it (= don't believe any part of what sb is saying) .
[ v ( that )]
People used to believe (that) the earth was flat.
He refused to believe (that) his son was involved in drugs.
I do believe you're right (= I think sth is true, even though it is surprising).
THINK POSSIBLE
2.
to think that sth is true or possible, although you are not completely certain :
[ v ( that )]
Police believe (that) the man may be armed.
[ vn ( that )]
It is believed that the couple have left the country.
[ vn to inf ]
The vases are believed to be worth over $20 000 each.
[ v ]
'Where does she come from?' 'Spain, I believe.'
'Does he still work there?' 'I believe so / not .'
[ vn - adj ]
Three sailors are missing, believed drowned.
➡ note at think
HAVE OPINION
3.
[ v ( that )] to have the opinion that sth is right or true :
The party believes (that) education is the most important issue facing the government.
BE SURPRISED / ANNOYED
4.
don't / can't ~ sth used to say that you are surprised or annoyed at sth : [ v ( that )]
She couldn't believe (that) it was all happening again.
[ v wh- ]
I can't believe how much better I feel.
RELIGION
5.
[ v ] to have a religious faith :
The god appears only to those who believe.
•
IDIOMS
- believe it or not
- believe (you) me
- don't you believe it!
- I don't believe it!
- if you believe that, you'll believe anything
- make believe (that ... )
- not believe your ears / eyes
- seeing is believing
- would you believe (it)?
- you / you'd better believe it!
—more at give verb
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- believe in sb/sth
- believe in sb
- believe in sth
- believe sth of sb
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Old English belӯfan , belēfan , alteration of gelēfan , of Germanic origin; related to Dutch geloven and German glauben .