believed; believing
1
a
: to consider to be true or honest
believe the reports
you wouldn't believe how long it took
b
: to accept the word or evidence of
I believe you
couldn't believe my ears
2
: to hold as an opinion : suppose
I believe it will rain soon
1
a
: to accept something as true, genuine, or real
ideals we believe in
believes in ghosts
b
: to have a firm or wholehearted religious conviction or persuasion : to regard the existence of God as a fact
Do you believe?
—usually used with inbelieve in the Scriptures
2
: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something
believe in exercise
3
: to hold an opinion : think
I believe so
believer
noun
Examples of believe in a Sentence
I have watched the many ways that teachers demonstrate pleasure in what students have said or done. I used to believe that teachers needed to present a stoic face for fear of losing control—as if smiling caused bad behavior.
—
Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time.
—Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life.
—Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports.
Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time.
—Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life.
—Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports.
Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says.
They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor.
He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him.
She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Recent Examples on the Web
Entertaining tip: Bille Brahe believes that the more generous a host is, the better the energy of the evening.
—Gisela Williams, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Miller is a staunch free marketeer who believes that the exorbitant resale prices simply reflect how much consumers are willing to pay for them and not a failing in his platform.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 15 Apr. 2024
Starry-eyed with satin, silk, sequins, and sparkle, 16-year-old Northville High School student Isabella Mach truly believes that everyone deserves a chance to feel like a princess, even just for a night.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 15 Apr. 2024
Israel’s cyber capabilities are so advanced, that tech experts believe many parts of Iranian modern society could be paralyzed by an attack.
—Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, TIME, 15 Apr. 2024
Wallach believes the possibility for surveillance by his former employer was equal to those of other companies he’s worked for in the U.S.
—Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
Hinton believes that the state will be paying the unpaid contractors, not SDC.
—Cary Spivak, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
But Viall doesn't believe that problems with their living arrangement tells the whole story.
—Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Leaders in the church do not believe the accusation involves any minors in the church or its private school, Trinity Episcopal School, according to the letter.
—James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2024
Gisela Williams, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2024
Miller is a staunch free marketeer who believes that the exorbitant resale prices simply reflect how much consumers are willing to pay for them and not a failing in his platform.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 15 Apr. 2024
Starry-eyed with satin, silk, sequins, and sparkle, 16-year-old Northville High School student Isabella Mach truly believes that everyone deserves a chance to feel like a princess, even just for a night.
—Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 15 Apr. 2024
Israel’s cyber capabilities are so advanced, that tech experts believe many parts of Iranian modern society could be paralyzed by an attack.
—Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, TIME, 15 Apr. 2024
Wallach believes the possibility for surveillance by his former employer was equal to those of other companies he’s worked for in the U.S.
—Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2024
Hinton believes that the state will be paying the unpaid contractors, not SDC.
—Cary Spivak, Journal Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2024
But Viall doesn't believe that problems with their living arrangement tells the whole story.
—Brianne Tracy, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Leaders in the church do not believe the accusation involves any minors in the church or its private school, Trinity Episcopal School, according to the letter.
—James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'believe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near believe
Cite this Entry
“Believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believe. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
believe
verb
be·lieve
bə-ˈlēv 
believed; believing
1
: to have a firm religious faith
2
: to have faith or confidence in the existence or worth of
believe in ghosts
believe in regular exercise
3
: to accept as true
believe the reports
4
: to accept the word or evidence of
they believed us
I could hardly believe my ears
5
: to hold as an opinion : think
believe it will rain
believable
adjective
-ˈlē-və-bəl
believably
adverb
-blē
believer
noun
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