Believe: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.