verb

believe

bih-LEEV/bɪˈliːv/

To accept something as true or trust what someone says.

The parent believes the child's story and nods warmly.

A child tells an earnest story to a parent who listens with a trusting nod and warm eye contact, neutral everyday domestic scene, no speech bubbles.

Etymology

believeOld Englishto have faith or confidence

Old English belyfan expressed faith or confidence in a person. That trust developed into accepting a teaching or statement as true, including on the strength of testimony rather than complete demonstration.

In context

Chapter13 Word of Jesus2:11

Yet none of you is willing to accept our message. You do not believe me when I tell you about the things of this world.

Turn from your sinful ungodly unholy wicked ways.#repent #faith #love #jesus

More examples

I believe you when you say it was an accident.
She refuses to believe the rumor without proof.
Do you really believe that the house is haunted?

Forms

believe · believes · believed · believing

belief noun — Acceptance that something is true or real.

believable adjective — Easy to accept as true or real.

Similar words

trust: Emphasizes confidence in someone's honesty, reliability, or judgment.
accept: Emphasizes taking a claim as true, sometimes without proof.