📒 to feel certain that something is true or that somebody is telling you the truth
- believe somebody I don't believe you!
- The man claimed to be a social worker and she believed him.
- Do you really believe her?
📒 to think that something is true or possible, although you are not completely certain
- ‘Where does she come from?’ ‘Spain, I believe.’
- ‘Does he still work there?’ ‘I believe so/not.’
- believe (that)… Police believe (that) the man may be armed.
📒 to have the opinion that something is right or true
- The party believes (that) education is the most important issue facing the government.
- She believes that killing animals for food or fur is completely immoral.
- I strongly believe that competition is a good thing.
📒 used to say that you are surprised or annoyed at something
- believe (that)… She couldn’t believe (that) it was all happening again.
- I don't believe I'm doing this!
- believe how, what, etc… I can't believe how much better I feel.
📒 to have a religious faith
- The god appears only to those who believe.
📒 used to introduce information that is true but that may surprise people
- Believe it or not, he asked me to marry him!
📒 used to emphasize that you strongly believe what you are saying
- You haven't heard the last of this, believe you me!
📒 used to tell somebody that something is definitely not true
- ‘She wouldn’t do a thing like that.’ ‘Don’t you believe it!’
📒 to make somebody believe/understand something
- I was given to understand that she had resigned.
📒 used to say that you are surprised or annoyed about something
- I don't believe it! What are you doing here?
📒 used to say that you think somebody is stupid if they believe that something is true
- ‘He promised not to do it again.’ ‘Sure, and if you believe that, you’ll believe anything.’
📒 to pretend that something is true
📒 to be very surprised at something you hear/see
- I couldn't believe my eyes when she walked in.
📒 used to say that somebody will have to believe that something is true when they see it, although they do not think it is true now
📒 used to show that you are surprised and annoyed about something
- And, would you believe, he didn't even apologize!
📒 used to tell somebody that something is definitely true
- ‘He’s not a bad player, is he?’ ‘You’d better believe it!’