Believe: meaning, definitions and examples

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believe

[bɪˈliːv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

faith

Accept that (something) is true, especially without proof. Hold (something) as an opinion; think.

Synonyms

accept, assume, consider, trust.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
believe	Use when you have confidence that something is true or you trust someone’s words or actions without needing proof. I believe in you. She believes that the Earth is round.
trust	Use when you have strong confidence in the reliability or truthfulness of someone or something. I trust my best friend completely. They trust the new technology.
accept	Use when agreeing to take something that is offered or recognizing something as correct or true with reluctance or approval. I accept your apology. He accepted the terms of the contract.
consider	Use when you are thinking carefully about something, especially when deciding or forming an opinion. I will consider your suggestion. She is considering a career change.
assume	Use when you take something for granted without proof, often based on some sort of presumption or guess. I assume he will be late. She assumed that the meeting was canceled.

Examples of usage

I believe we should trust him.
Do you believe in ghosts?
She believes in the power of positive thinking.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

religion

Have faith, confidence, or trust.

Synonyms

have confidence in, have faith in, trust in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
believe	Used when you think something is true or someone is telling the truth. It is a general term often applied in everyday conversations. I believe you when you say you didn’t mean to break the vase. Do you believe in ghosts?
have faith in	Used when you deeply believe in someone or something, often with a more emotional or spiritual undertone. The belief is usually strong and unwavering. I have faith in the future of our planet. She has faith in her brother’s integrity.
trust in	Used when you rely on someone or something with a sense of security or dependability. Often implies a deeper, more personal level of confidence. I trust in his promise to help us. They trust in the system to provide justice.
have confidence in	Used in situations where you trust someone’s abilities or judgement, often in a professional or skill-based context. I have confidence in his ability to lead the team. The company has confidence in our new marketing strategy.

Examples of usage

Most of the population believes in God.
She believes in the afterlife.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

religion

Religious faith.

Synonyms

conviction, faith, religion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
believe	Used when someone thinks something is true or real, often without complete proof. I believe he is telling the truth. Do you believe in ghosts?
faith	Used to describe a deep trust or confidence in something, often with a religious or spiritual connotation. She has faith in her doctor’s abilities. His faith helped him through difficult times.
conviction	Implies a strong, firmly held belief, often accompanied by confidence and certainty. She spoke with conviction about her plans for the future. His conviction in his innocence was evident.
religion	Refers to an organized system of beliefs, practices, and worship associated with a particular set of doctrines. Christianity is the world's largest religion. He practices his religion regularly.

Examples of usage

I have a strong belief in the power of prayer.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'beliefan', which means to hold dear.
The root of this term is traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'galaubjan', connected to the idea of trust.
Related words in other languages share similar meanings, like 'creer' in Spanish, showing a common concept across cultures.

Psychology

Research shows that belief can significantly affect our emotional and mental health, influencing happiness levels.
Cognitive dissonance occurs when there’s a conflict between what we believe and what we experience, often leading to changes in beliefs.
Beliefs can be powerful motivators; they shape our goals, aspirations, and the way we approach challenges.

Culture

Many cultures have stories that highlight the power of belief, like the proverb 'Where there’s a will, there’s a way.'
Religious beliefs form the foundation of various practices and festivals around the world, uniting communities.
In philosophy, particularly existentialism, belief plays a crucial role in defining one’s purpose and existence.

Literature

Famous literary works often explore themes of belief, such as faith and doubt, highlighting the human experience.
In George Orwell's '1984', the manipulation of belief is central to the story, illustrating its power in society.
Children's books frequently encourage belief in the impossible, like magic and adventures, fostering imagination.

Technology

Technological advancements challenge beliefs, such as the idea of what is real with the rise of virtual reality.
Startups often thrive on the belief that their innovations can change the world, driving entrepreneurship and investment.
Artificial Intelligence is changing beliefs about creativity and intelligence, prompting discussions about what it means to be human.

Translations

Translations of the word "believe" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acreditar

🇮🇳 मानना (Mānna)

🇩🇪 glauben

🇮🇩 percaya

🇺🇦 вірити

🇵🇱 wierzyć

🇯🇵 信じる (Shinjiru)

🇫🇷 croire

🇪🇸 creer

🇹🇷 inanmak

🇰🇷 믿다 (Mitda)

🇸🇦 يؤمن (yu'min)

🇨🇿 věřit

🇸🇰 veriť

🇨🇳 相信 (Xiāngxìn)

🇸🇮 verjeti

🇮🇸 trúa

🇰🇿 сену

🇬🇪 დაჯერება (dajereba)

🇦🇿 inanmaq

🇲🇽 creer

Word Frequency Rank

With position #385, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.

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382 lower
383 include
384 white
385 believe
386 six
387 respect
388 treatment
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