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
Honest behavior also means understanding your surroundings, such as how your actions are affected by what others believe and how your words are perceived by the audience.
—Drew Gerber, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Investigators at this time believe Nguyen killed his wife and children at some point over the weekend, and then turned the firearm on himself.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024
Investigators believe the 17-year-old was not shot in the garage but made his way there after he was wounded, Vainuku said.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 20 Dec. 2024
Matthew Rivera’s striking cinematography and the movie’s special effects wizardry also are major selling points, along with Dawn Olivieri’s sympathetic portrayal of a woman who firmly believes that faith can move mountains.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for believe 
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Drew Gerber, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Investigators at this time believe Nguyen killed his wife and children at some point over the weekend, and then turned the firearm on himself.
—Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 20 Dec. 2024
Investigators believe the 17-year-old was not shot in the garage but made his way there after he was wounded, Vainuku said.
—Phil Helsel, NBC News, 20 Dec. 2024
Matthew Rivera’s striking cinematography and the movie’s special effects wizardry also are major selling points, along with Dawn Olivieri’s sympathetic portrayal of a woman who firmly believes that faith can move mountains.
—Joe Leydon, Variety, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for believe
Dictionary Entries Near believe
Cite this Entry
“Believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believe. Accessed 24 Dec. 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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