be·lieve  (bĭ-lēv') 
v.
be·lieved, be·liev·ing, be·lieves
v.
tr.
To accept as true or real: Do you believe the news stories? To credit with veracity: I believe you. To expect or suppose; think: I believe they will arrive shortly.
v.
intr.
To have firm faith, especially religious faith. To have faith, confidence, or trust: I believe in your ability to solve the problem. To have confidence in the truth or value of something: We believe in free speech. To have an opinion; think: They have already left, I believe.
[Middle English bileven, from Old English belȳfan, belēfan, gelēfan; see leubh- in Indo-European roots.]
be·liev'er n. |
