bɪˈli:v v. 1 tr.
accept as
true or as conveying
the truth (I believe
it; don't believe
him; believes
what he is told). 2 tr.
think,
suppose (I believe it's raining; Mr
Smith, I believe?). 3 intr. (foll. by in) a
have faith in the
existence of (believes in God). b have
confidence in (a
remedy, a
person, etc.) (believes in
alternative medicine). c have
trust in the advisability of (believes in
telling the truth). 4 intr. have (esp. religious) faith. øbelieve one's ears (or eyes) accept
that what
one apparently hears or sees etc. is true. believe it or
not colloq. it is true
though surprising.
make believe (often foll. by that +
clause, or to + infin.)
pretend (let's make believe that we're
young again).
would you believe it? colloq. = believe it or not. øøbelievable adj. believability n. [OE belyfan, belefan,
with change of
prefix f. gelefan f. Gmc: rel. to LIEF]