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Believed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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believed

[bษชหˆliหvd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Believed is the past tense of 'believe', which means to accept something as true or to have faith in something. When someone believed in something, it reflects a conviction or trust in the validity or existence of a particular idea, person, or event. This term is often used in contexts involving faith, trust, or confidence in someone's capabilities or in abstract concepts such as love and hope.

Synonyms

accepted, had faith in, trusted.

Examples of usage

  • She believed in his abilities as a leader.
  • Despite the evidence, he believed in the conspiracy theory.
  • They believed that change was possible.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Belief plays a crucial role in cognitive processes, shaping how we perceive the world and make decisions.
  • The term 'cognitive dissonance' describes the discomfort felt when our beliefs are challenged by new information.
  • Research shows that beliefs can significantly impact mental health, with positive beliefs often leading to better outcomes.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often grapple with beliefs that lead to conflict and character development, showcasing the internal struggle between belief and reality.
  • Famous novels, like 'The Catcher in the Rye,' explore themes of belief in society and self-identity.

Philosophy

  • Philosphers debate the nature of belief, questioning what constitutes belief and how it differs from knowledge.
  • In existentialism, belief is vital for creating meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Cultural References

  • Many cultures have proverbs that emphasize the power of belief, such as 'What you believe, you can achieve,' highlighting a positive outlook.
  • Religious beliefs shape traditions, values, and community practices across various societies, influencing cultural identity.

Origin of 'believed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has its roots in Old English 'believegan,' which combines 'be-' (around) and 'leafa' (dear or beloved). It reflects the idea of holding something dear.
  • It evolved from the Proto-Germanic word '*ga-laubijan,' which means to give oneโ€™s heart to or trust in.

The word 'believe' comes from the Old English 'beliefe', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic *ga-laubjans, meaning 'to hold dear' or 'to love'. The original meaning emphasized personal attachment or emotional regard. Over time, the term evolved in Middle English to 'bileven' and eventually settled into the modern English form as 'believe'. The concept of belief has been significant throughout history, influencing religion, philosophy, and ethics. It underscores the human tendency to accept certain truths or principles without empirical evidence. The evolution of the term reflects broader societal changes in how people conceptualize faith, trust, and certainty.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,278, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.