Topic: RELIGION
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| Language: | Old English |
| Origin: | belefan, from lyfan, lefan 'to allow, believe' |
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be‧lieve S1 W1
1 [transitive not in progressive] to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth : 
You shouldn't believe everything you read.I believed him, even though his story sounded unlikely.
You shouldn't believe everything you read.I believed him, even though his story sounded unlikely.2 [transitive not in progressive] to think that something is true or possible, although you are not completely sure It is believed that the house was built in 1735. The four men are widely believed (=believed by a lot of people) to have been killed by their captors.
believe (that) Detectives believe that the victim knew his killer.
Detectives believe that the victim knew his killer.It is believed that the house was built in 1735.The four men are widely believed (=believed by a lot of people) to have been killed by their captors.3 used when you are surprised that something is true : Sometimes, it's hard to believe we've been married for 50 years.
it's difficult/hard to believe (that)
Sometimes, it's hard to believe we've been married for 50 years.4 spoken used when you are very surprised or shocked by something : I can't believe he's expecting us to work on Sunday! I couldn't believe it when he told me what had happened.
can't/don't believe something
I can't believe he's expecting us to work on Sunday!I couldn't believe it when he told me what had happened.5 spoken used when you are saying something that is true but surprising : He enjoys school, believe it or not.
believe it or not
He enjoys school, believe it or not.6 spoken used when you are surprised or angry about something : And then he just walked out. Would you believe it!
would you believe it!
or I don't believe it!And then he just walked out. Would you believe it!7 spoken used to emphasize that something is definitely true : There'll be trouble when they find out about this, believe you me!
believe (you) me
There'll be trouble when they find out about this, believe you me!10 spoken used to say that someone is very surprised by something they see or hear
can't believe your eyes/ears
11 spoken used to say that something is definitely not true, and that anyone who believes it must be stupid
if you believe that, you'll believe anything
12 spoken used to say that you will only believe that something happens or exists when you actually see it
seeing is believing
orI'll believe it when I see it
13 [intransitive]RR to have a religious faith : She says those who believe will go to heaven.
She says those who believe will go to heaven.➔ make believe
at make1 (19)believe in somebody/something
phrasal verb1 to be sure that someone or something exists : Do you believe in God?
Do you believe in God?2 to think that something is effective or right : I don't believe in these diets.
I don't believe in these diets.3 to trust someone and be confident that they will be successful : The people want a President they can believe in. Believe in yourself, or you'll never succeed.
The people want a President they can believe in.Believe in yourself, or you'll never succeed.WORD CHOICE: WORD CHOICE:
believe, believe in If you believe something, you think it is true. If you believe someone, you think they are telling the truth • Nobody believed what I said. • I didn't do it - you've got to believe me! Use believe in to mean that you think something exists • Do you believe in God? that you think that something is good • He doesn't believe in private education. that you think someone is good and will achieve good things • My mother always believed in me.
WORD CHOICE: believe, believe in If you believe something, you think it is true. If you believe someone, you think they are telling the truth • Nobody believed what I said. • I didn't do it - you've got to believe me! Use believe in to mean that you think something exists • Do you believe in God? that you think that something is good • He doesn't believe in private education. that you think someone is good and will achieve good things • My mother always believed in me.
