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单词 believe
释义
believebe‧lieve /bəˈliːv/ ●●● S1 W1 verb Word Origin
WORD ORIGINbelieve
Origin:
Old English belefan, from lyfan, lefan ‘to allow, believe’
Verb Table
VERB TABLE
believe
Simple Form
PresentI, you, we, theybelieve
he, she, itbelieves
PastI, you, he, she, it, we, theybelieved
Present perfectI, you, we, theyhave believed
he, she, ithas believed
Past perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theyhad believed
FutureI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill believe
Future perfectI, you, he, she, it, we, theywill have believed
Examples
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
  • Both sides firmly believe that a peace settlement is now possible.
  • Did the police believe his story?
  • I asked them for a $10,000 loan, and believe it or not they said yes.
  • I firmly believe that we are responsible for what happens to us in our lives.
  • I had always believed Catherine to be absolutely honest in money matters.
  • I told them I didn't do it, but no one believed me.
  • Only those who believe will go to heaven.
  • People used to believe that the sun moved around the earth.
  • Police believe that the money was stolen by a gang of youths.
  • Students weren't sure who to believe.
  • The party believes strongly that health care should be provided for everyone.
  • We believe human rights are more important than economic considerations.
  • You can't believe everything you read in the papers.
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
  • But people like Shakiri do not believe there can be a peaceful solution to the crisis.
  • Disney executives believe the porcelain models will become another lucrative spin off for their cartoon empire.
  • Labour still believes that it has a better story about its own plans for improving public services than the Tories.
  • Some experts believe that adrenaline provides the body with the extra boost it needs to make up for lost sleep.
  • The suit was settled last month, days before former Crypto engineers were to testify that they believed the machines were altered.
  • Well, he was not what Shula believed him to be.
Thesaurus
THESAURUSto believe something
to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth: · I believed her when she said that she loved me.· Don’t believe anything he tells you.
to believe that something is true, especially because someone has persuaded you to believe it: · His wife accepted his explanation for why he was late.· Leah had slowly come to accept her brother’s version of events.
especially spoken to believe what someone says is true, even though you have no proof or experience of it: · I don’t know anything about him, so I’ll just have to take your word for it.· You don’t have to take my word for it – go and see for yourself.· ‘Cakes are very easy to make.’ ‘I’ll take your word for it.’
to believe what someone says, even though you think it might not be true: · Unless you have proof, you should give him the benefit of the doubt.
to believe something that is untrue
(also fall for something informal) to be tricked into believing something that is not true: · A lot of people were taken in by these claims.· I can’t believe she fell for that old excuse!
informal to believe a story or explanation that is not true, especially when this makes you seem silly: · His aunt had swallowed his story unquestioningly.· Police refused to swallow his story, and put him in a cell.
Longman Language Activatorto believe that something is true
to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth: · Did the police believe his story?· I told them I didn't do it, but no one believed me.· You shouldn't believe everything you read in the papers.believe (that): · People used to believe that the sun moved around the earth.believe it or not (=it may be hard to believe this): · I asked them for a $10,000 loan, and believe it or not they said yes.firmly/strongly believe: · I firmly believe that we are responsible for what happens to us in our lives.
to believe something because someone has persuaded you to believe it: · I finally accepted the fact that I would die if I didn't stop smoking.· She succeeded in persuading the jury to accept her version of the events.accept that: · She'll never accept that her husband has been unfaithful.
to believe what someone tells you even though you have no proof of it: · When he told me he'd been in the army, I took his word for it.· "Do you want to check for yourself?" "No, I'll take your word for it."
to believe what someone says even though you think they might not be telling the truth: · Something didn't seem quite right, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.· She claimed she wasn't trying to commit suicide, and doctors gave her the benefit of the doubt.
to accept that what someone tells you is true without asking for any proof, because you have decided to trust them: · I'm afraid I can't let you see the letter, so you'll just have to take what I'm saying on trust.· He said he'd never been in trouble before, which I was content to take on trust.
to believe what someone says or what you read, without thinking that it may have another meaning: · Netta accepted Amelia's explanation at face value and didn't ask any more questions.· The letter, if we take it at face value, suggests that Richard is quite happy in his job.
informal to believe a reason or explanation, especially one that is not very likely to be true - use this especially in negatives and questions: · We could tell him it was an accident, but he'd never buy it.· "He said he was with friends last night." "Are you going to buy that?"
to believe something that is not true
to believe a story, explanation etc that is not actually true, in a way that makes people think you are stupid: · You mean to tell me you swallowed a story like that?· Her explanation of where the money went is a little hard to swallow.swallow something whole (=completely believe it): · The company has been telling lies for years, but local media has swallowed them whole.
to believe something that is not true, that someone tells you to trick you: · They told me I'd earn over a thousand dollars a week and I fell for it.· She should know better than to fall for that old excuse.
to believe that someone is telling the truth, when in fact they are lying in order to trick you: · He told me that it was a genuine diamond, and I was completely taken in.be taken in by: · Don't be taken in by products claiming to make you lose weight quickly.
too willing to believe what other people tell you, so that it is easy to cheat you: · How can you be so gullible! He's not really French.· He seemed to treat me as if I were a gullible schoolgirl.
if you believe something hook, line, and sinker , you believe it completely even though it is so silly that it could not possibly be true: · What an idiot! He believed the whole story hook, line, and sinker!· The people seem to have swallowed the government's promises hook, line, and sinker.
when you do not believe something
to not believe that something is true or that someone is telling the truth: · She doesn't believe anything he tells her.· I told her it was an accident, but she didn't believe me.not believe (that): · I don't believe you meant half the things you said.not believe a word of it (=not believe it at all): · They say they're going to send me the money, but I don't believe a word of it.
formal to not believe something, especially something that someone has told you: · He had nothing to gain from lying so we saw no reason to disbelieve him.· Kim, of course, disbelieved every word the boy said.
to think that something may not really be true or that someone may not really be telling the truth, even though you are not completely sure: · In all the years I knew him I never once doubted his story.· He wondered how he could ever have doubted her.doubt (that): · He doubted that the car was hers because everyone knew she had no money.doubt whether/if: · They seriously doubted whether the letter had ever existed.I doubt it spoken: · He may be able to do a good job, but I doubt it.doubt very much/seriously doubt (=think something is almost certainly not true): · She says she'll leave him, but I doubt very much that she will.
British /take something with a grain of salt American to not completely believe what someone says to you because you know that they do not always tell the truth: · It's best to take what he says with a pinch of salt - he's always exaggerating.· Every once in a while I go to a psychic, but I take everything she says with a grain of salt.
the feeling that you cannot believe someone or something, especially because it is very surprising: · When people hear tragic news their first reaction is usually one of disbelief.· My story was met with a mixture of disbelief and contempt.do something in disbelief: · I stared at him in utter disbelief.
also skeptical American someone who is sceptical about something is not sure whether it is true, or does not really believe it: · When I started this investigation I was sceptical.· His attitude towards all religion is sceptical.sceptical about: · I wish him luck, but I'm skeptical about his chances of success.
someone who is cynical is not willing to believe that people have good or honest reasons for doing something: · I think movie stars just do charity work to get publicity - but maybe I'm too cynical.· an author with a cynical view of lifecynical about: · Since her divorce, she's become very cynical about men.
unable to believe something because it is so surprising that it seems impossible: · Everyone looked incredulous when I said I used to drive a taxi.· "A millionaire!" she was incredulous. "Like hell he is!"· The announcement was met by incredulous laughter.
what you say to someone when you do not believe them
spoken informal say this when you are very surprised by what someone has just said and cannot believe that it is true: · They got married! You're kidding!· "When he sat down, the chair just collapsed." "You're joking."
/come on spoken informal say this when you cannot believe what someone has said, and you think they do not really believe it themselves: · "He kind of reminds me of myself at that age." "Oh come off it. When you were that age all you wanted to do was have fun."· Oh come on Keith - do you really expect me to believe that?
spoken informal say this when you do not believe something that someone has said, and you think they are deliberately telling you something that is not true: · "I really wanted to come, but I overslept." "Yeah, right. Then why didn't you set your alarm?"
spoken say this when you think someone is telling you something that they know is not true: · "I was going to pay the money back as soon as I saw you." "Yeah. Likely story!"
British spoken say this when it is very clear that someone is not telling you the truth or that they are trying to trick you: · Oh, pull the other one, John. You can't seriously expect me to believe that!
American spoken say this when you think that something is very surprising or that someone is not telling you the truth or is trying to trick you: · "I got the car for just $350 dollars." "Get out of here!"
spoken say this when you think someone is lying to you and you want to show them that you are not stupid enough to believe it: · You can't expect me to trust you after all the other promises you've broken, you know. I wasn't born yesterday.
when something seems likely to be true
if a story, explanation etc is believable , you can believe it because it seems possible or likely: · The plot is believable, but the characters aren't very interesting.· Hardly anything they put on the news programs these days is believable.
a convincing explanation, argument, reason etc seems likely to be true: · I didn't find any of their arguments very convincing.· There is no convincing evidence that the tax cut will produce new jobs.
something that is plausible seems reasonable and likely to be true, even though it may actually be untrue - use this especially about an explanation, excuse, or idea: · His explanation sounds fairly plausible to me.· I need to think of a plausible excuse for not going to the meeting.
something that is credible can be believed because it seems likely or because you trust the person who is saying it: · Her story is completely credible - she doesn't usually exaggerate.· The complaint would be more credible if he could remember more specific details.
a story or explanation that has a ring of truth contains something that makes you believe it, even though it does not at first seem true: · I don't really trust her, but some of what she says has a ring of truth.· Lies by their nature have a ring of truth - otherwise, people wouldn't believe them.
when something seems very unlikely to be true
difficult or impossible to believe: · The things he had heard about her were almost unbelievable.it is unbelievable how/that: · It's unbelievable how nasty people can be.· I find it unbelievable that Mr. Carey does not remember the meeting at all.
a story, explanation, or excuse that is unlikely cannot be believed because it is so unusual: · That sounds a pretty unlikely story to me!· Students invent all sorts of unlikely explanations as to why they can't do their homework.it is unlikely (that): · I think it's unlikely that the police had anything to do with it.highly unlikely: · It's highly unlikely that Burton will be the party's nominee.
a statement or event that is improbable is difficult to believe, even though it may in fact be true or may actually have happened: · The Rockets managed an improbable victory in last night's game.it is improbable that: · It's improbable that she would have been so successful without famous parents.highly improbable: · It's highly improbable that someone would win the lottery twice.
a statement or explanation that is implausible is difficult to believe because it is not like the way things usually happen: · Jill says she can earn $50,000 from the job, but this is an implausible figure.· The idea that a virus could wipe out an entire city so quickly seems a little implausible.
something that is incredible is so surprising or strange that it is difficult to believe, even though it is probably true: · This factory was capable of producing an incredible 100 cars per hour.it is incredible that: · It is incredible that the police still haven't caught him.
something that is inconceivable is so surprising or strange that it seems you cannot believe that it could possibly happen or be true: · The amount of time and money they have wasted on the project is inconceivable.it is inconceivable that: · It's inconceivable that university officials would fire someone as talented and loyal as Professor Schultz.
ideas, statements, and excuses that are unconvincing do not seem to be true or right and you cannot be persuaded to believe that they are: · Peter came to me with a rather unconvincing apology.· Their denial was unconvincing in view of the physical evidence linking them to the bombing.
an idea, story, or explanation that is far-fetched is difficult to believe because it sounds so surprising, unusual, or impossible: · The idea of travelling to other solar systems may sound far-fetched but scientists now see it as a real possibility.· His lawyers argue that the charges are based on a far-fetched conspiracy theory.
formal an idea, story, or explanation that is preposterous is impossible to believe because it sounds completely unreasonable: · It's a preposterous claim that the government is trying to poison its citizens.it is preposterous that: · It is preposterous that Bruce did not know that we were there.
an excuse or explanation that is lame is difficult to believe, because the person who says it has not tried hard enough to make it sound true: · She's always got some lame excuse for being late.· It sounded lame but I really had lost my ticket.
when you believe or do not believe that God, ghosts etc exist
· Do your kids still believe in Santa Claus?· According to one survey, 94% of Americans believe in God or a universal spirit.
someone who does not believe in any god: · A lot of young people in England these days are atheists.
someone who believes that it is impossible to be certain whether God exists or not: · She likes to keep an open mind in religious matters and so refers to herself as an agnostic.
something that someone believes
· We need to learn to accept people who have different beliefs from ours.belief that · Their experiments were based on the belief that you could make gold from other metals.belief in · She never lost her belief in God.political/religious beliefs · They were put in prison because of their political beliefs.belief system · People with a strong spiritual or philosophical belief system are more likely to remain healthy.contrary to popular belief (=despite what most people believe) · Contrary to popular belief, cold weather does not make you ill.
a strong belief that something is true or can be trusted, especially religious belief: faith in: · It was her faith in God that helped her survive the long years in prison.· He places a great deal of faith in people's honesty.shake somebody's faith (=make someone doubt what they believe): · The judge's decision shook her faith in the legal system.
a belief that some objects or actions are lucky and some are unlucky, based on old ideas of magic: · Some scientists view all religion as superstition.superstition that: · It's an old superstition that walking under a ladder is unlucky.
something that someone believes that is definitely not true
a belief or idea that is false, especially a belief in something good about yourself or about the situation you are in: · She thought he loved her but it was just an illusion.· Alcohol gives some people the illusion of being witty and confident.illusion that: · There seems to be a widespread illusion that there are no class barriers anymore.under an illusion: · People had bought these houses under the illusion that their value would just keep on rising.
something that a lot of people believe but which is completely untrue: · The idea that a good night's sleep will cure everything is a complete fallacy.· It's a fallacy that all fat people are fat simply because they eat too much.
something a lot of people believe because they want to believe it, not because it is based on fact: · The first myth about motherhood is that new mothers instantly fall in love with their babies.· It is a myth that battered women deserve or want to be beaten.
a completely mistaken idea about yourself or the situation you are in, especially one that everyone else knows is wrong: · She now had to finally forget the dreams and delusions of her youthunder a delusion: · I was still under the delusion that everyone was trying to cheat me.
a belief you have that is wrong, although you do not realize it is wrong at the time when you have it: · When I started as a teacher I had the mistaken belief that all kids are interested in learning.
something that is not true but which people believe because they do not have all the facts or they have not properly understood the situation: · No, it's not actually true that rail travel is more expensive - that's a misconception.misconception that: · Employers seem to share the general misconception that young people are more efficient than older workers.
a popular belief or piece of advice that has existed for a long time but which you think is stupid: · It's not true that if trees have a lot of fruit in the autumn it will be a cold winter - that's just an old wives' tale.
to think something is wrong
to think that something is wrong and that it should not be allowed: · Lundgren is against abortion.· Most people are opposed to the privatization of the city's public transportation system.be strongly against: · There are two or three groups that are strongly against construction of the dam.be dead set against (=be very much against something): · She wants to marry him, but her parents are dead set against it.be strongly/totally/opposed to: · Senator Thompson remains totally opposed to any form of gun control.
to think that a plan, idea etc is wrong, and to try to prevent it from happening or succeeding: · Conservative MPs say they will oppose the new bill.strongly/vigorously oppose: · The Church strongly opposes same-sex marriage.
especially spoken to be against something, for example because it is new or different and you do not like things to change: · My grandmother doesn't agree with divorce.· There are many people in the US who do not agree with capital punishment.
to not support something, because you think something is wrong or immoral: · Fiona doesn't believe in having sex before marriage.· I don't believe in hitting children for any reason.
: anti-war/-smoking/-American etc against war, smoking, America etc: · Anti-war demonstrators gathered in the city's main square.· The anti-smoking laws seem ridiculous to me.· Anti-American sentiment remains high in the region.
someone who is hostile to a plan or idea opposes it very strongly, and expresses this in an angry way: · A hostile audience refused to listen to Senator Drummond's reply.hostile to/towards: · Local people are hostile towards the plan, which would involve a significant tax increase.openly hostile (=showing very clearly that you are hostile): · Lydon was openly hostile to any kind of criticism of the project.
behaving in a way that shows that you strongly disapprove of someone or something: · A lot of people refuse to work with Paula. Her manner is just too antagonistic.antagonistic to/towards: · The right-wing press has always been deeply antagonistic towards the Labour party.
to approve of something or someone
· Don will only buy the motorcycle if his parents approve.approve of · I was surprised that Mom seemed to approve of Tracy's new boyfriend.· Bob doesn't approve of alcohol.· Forty percent of registered voters approved of Senator Campbell.approve of (somebody) doing something · Do you approve of doctors using human embryos for research?
spoken to approve of something -- used especially when you are talking about something other people might not agree with: · My mother made me get a part-time job when I was sixteen, and I think that's right.think it is right (for somebody) to do something: · The bank invests a lot of money in the tobacco industry: do you think it's right for them to do that?· He doesn't think it's right for someone so young to be learning about sex at school.
to approve of something such as a decision, a way of doing something, or a plan: · Mr. Senator, do you agree with the court's decision?· I have never agreed with animal experimentation.
to approve of a type of behaviour or way of doing something, especially because you think there are important principles involved: · Hilary doesn't believe in sex before marriage.believe in doing something: · We believe in letting everyone have the right to see their own medical records.
to say or show that you approve of something that most people think is wrong: · The state appears to condone police brutality.· I'm not condoning his behaviour, but I can understand why he wanted revenge on his daughter's attacker.
to pretend something as a game
to pretend something as a game, or because you enjoy it: pretend (that): · I like to drive around in my brother's BMW and pretend I'm a rich businessman.pretend to be: · He burst into the room with a toy gun in his hand, pretending to be a gangster.
to pretend that pleasant things are happening, that you are someone or somewhere you want to be, etc: make believe (that): · The two little girls used to make believe that they were princesses.make believe: · Right, kids. We don't have any proper cowboy hats so you'll have to make believe.
also play at British if children play or play at something, they pretend to be a particular type of person or to do a particular thing, as a game: · When I was young we played at pirates whenever we were on the beach.· When my sister was little, she always wanted to play school.play doctors and nurses: · Did you ever play doctors and nurses when you were small?play happy familiesBritish /play house American (=pretend to be a family): · Come on - let's go inside and play house!
surprised
if you are surprised by something that happens, you do not expect it, so it seems strange or unusual: · I was really surprised when I passed my driving test first time.· Carrie looked surprised. "I didn't expect to see you here!"· We couldn't help laughing at the children's surprised faces.surprised to see/hear/learn etc: · We were surprised to see Drew's picture in the newspaper.surprised (that): · I'm really surprised that he remembered my birthday.surprised at: · When I saw him again, I was surprised at how much older he looked.surprised by: · Julia seemed a little surprised by my question.pleasantly surprised (=surprised when something unexpectedly good happens): · His exam results were great - we were all very pleasantly surprised.
use this about something that surprises you so much you almost cannot believe it: · Liz was amazed when she found out how much dinner had cost.amazed that: · I'm amazed that the bank keeps lending him money.amazed to see/learn/find out etc: · We were amazed to see John looking so well, so soon after his operation.amazed at/by: · She couldn't help feeling amazed at his stupidity.amazed by: · You'll be amazed by how much progress we've made.
extremely surprised by something that happens, because it is very unusual or strange: · Mark was astonished when he read the message - what on earth could she mean?· We climbed out of the hole right in front of two astounded policemen.astonished/astounded (that): · It was an extremely nasty accident and I was astonished that anyone had survived it.astonished/astounded at/by: · Everton admits to being astounded at the popularity of the book.astonished/astounded to hear/see/discover etc: · The whole town was astounded to hear of a plan to build an office building right next to the lake.
to be so surprised or shocked by what someone has done or said that, for a moment, you do not know what to say: · I was taken aback to find an elderly woman sitting inside the door of the men's room.be taken aback by: · I was completely taken aback by his aggressive and unreasonable attitude.
especially written surprised and a little frightened or worried because of something that has suddenly happened or something that someone said: · "Have we met somewhere before?" The man looked startled for a moment.startled by: · They were startled by a sudden flash in the sky.
informal so surprised by something that has happened that you do not know what to say: · The delivery men just left the furniture in my front yard. I was flabbergasted.flabbergasted at/by: · Doctors said they were flabbergasted at the decision to close the hospital.
if you can't get over something that has happened, you are so surprised by it that you cannot believe it: · Madge couldn't get over how much Joe had grown since she'd last seen him.· I can't get over how much she eats - why doesn't she gain any weight?
especially spoken say this when you are very surprised by something because it does not seem possible: can't believe it: · I can't believe it! Jane and Richard are getting married.can't believe (that): · She was a brilliant pianist -- we couldn't believe she was only 15.can't believe your eyes/ears: · The letter invited me to fly first class to New York for an interview on Monday - I could not believe my eyes!
to think that something is true, but not be sure
to think something is true, but you are not completely sure. Believe is more formal than think: think/believe (that): · I think Jill moved to the new house last week.· "Is it painted?" "No, I think it's a mosaic."I think so/I believe so (=say this to answer "yes" to a questions when you are fairly sure that something is true): · "Has James gone home?" "Yes, I think so."
to think that something is true, although you have no proof: · You shouldn't just assume things without getting all the facts.assume (that): · I just assumed that the woman standing next to Jack was his wife.· We assume that other industrialized nations are going to help with money for food and other supplies.we can safely assume (=it is reasonably certain): · I think we can safely assume that the practice is legal.
something that you think is true although you have no proof: · Yes the Socialists will probably win -- that seems a fair assumption.make the assumption that: · At that time we had to make the assumption that the disease was spreading and take action to stop it.on the assumption that: · Eden acted on the assumption that his allies would support him.
to wrongly believe that something is true, because of something you have heard or seen: · I was under the impression that you couldn't get a parking ticket on private property.be under the mistaken impression (that): · The average American is under the mistaken impression that wildlife refuges have been set up to protect animals.
to think that something is probably true, especially something bad: suspect (that): · I suspect that he never really loved her.· No one suspected anything was wrong.as somebody suspected: · As we suspected, there is a problem with the braking system, and it will be replaced.
to feel sure that something is true because of information that you have, although there is always some possibility that you are wrong: believe (that): · Police believe that the money was stolen by a gang of youths.believe somebody to be capable/honest/a fool etc: · I had always believed Catherine to be absolutely honest in money matters.firmly believe: · Both sides firmly believe that a peace settlement is now possible.
to be fairly sure of something, especially because you have a good reason to think so, although you have no proof: presume (that): · The committee presumed that its decisions would be carried out.presume somebody/something to be somebody/something: · Many scientists presumed the new damage to the forests to be the result of higher levels of pollution.be presumed innocent/dead/responsible etc: · The defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty.
if you say something presumably is a fact, you think it must be true because of the information you have: · Several of the villagers disappeared, presumably killed by enemy soldiers.· The audience hears the word so many times during the play that presumably they learn what it means if they didn't already know.
to think that something is probably true, especially because of some information you have - use this in written or formal contexts: suppose (that): · We have no reason to suppose that the girl is dead.· There are many reasons to suppose that Shakespeare was familiar with the stories of medieval Italy.
to be sure that something is true without ever asking yourself whether you are right or not: · I never asked if she was single - I just took it for granted.take it for granted (that): · I took if for granted that Steven would still be working for us when the new project started.
to have a particular opinion
: think (that) · We didn't think that the concert was very good.· She thinks I'm crazy to leave my job.· I thought we had a good meeting yesterday.what do you think of somebody/something (=what is your opinion about them?) · What did you think of the new car? Did you drive it?
to have an opinion that you are sure is right, especially about something important such as life, religion, or politics: believe (that): · The party believes strongly that health care should be provided for everyone.· We believe human rights are more important than economic considerations.
to have a strong opinion, but one which is based on your feelings rather than on facts: feel (that): · Liz's parents feel she isn't old enough to leave home.· I feel that we're just beginning to make progress, and that it would be wrong to stop now.
especially American, informal to develop a particular opinion about a situation after considering it carefully: · What do you figure his chances of winning are?figure (that): · The operation went fine, and they figure he'll be home next week.· I'm telling you because I figure you're the only one who can keep a secret.
especially British, informal to have a particular opinion about something or someone: · What do you reckon - would this make a good present for Donald's birthday?reckon (that): · They reckon the French team's better than ours.be reckoned to be something: · This hotel is reckoned to be one of the best in the country.
formal to have an opinion about someone or something after thinking carefully about them: consider somebody/something something: · We do not consider this film suitable for young children.· I would consider it an honour to serve on the Executive Committee.consider somebody/something to be something: · She is considered to be one of the finest pianists of her generation.
to think that someone or something is a particular kind of person or thing: regard somebody/something as something: · She regards herself more as an entertainer than a singer.· America was seen as the land of opportunity.· Several members of the government have said they regard the Minister's statement as ridiculous.
to think that someone or something is a particular kind of person or thing, especially when your opinion is wrong, unusual, or unfair: · Most people think of Leonardo da Vinci as a great artist, but he was also a great scientist.· Learning a language should be thought of as a natural process.· Even doctors may look on these patients as drug addicts and treat them as social outcasts.
to decide to have a particular opinion about a situation or about life in general, especially when other people have different opinions - use this in formal or written contexts: · Nineteenth century scientists took the view that the Universe was meaningless.· Aristotle was of the opinion that there would always be rich and poor within society.· The committee is of the opinion that the contract is not legally binding.
to be thought of as being important or very good by a large number of people: · Von Braun was then acknowledged as the world's foremost expert on rocket engineering.· Lawrence's novel was rejected at first, but it later came to be recognized as a work of genius.
what you say when giving your opinion
spoken say this when giving your opinion. I believe is more formal than I think: I think/believe (that): · I think it's a great idea.· I believe that we can do better than this.
use this especially in formal contexts: · In my opinion, most people learn best by doing, not by sitting in a classroom and reading about it.· She is, in my opinion, one of the foremost artists of our time.
especially spoken use this especially when you do not care if other people do not agree with your opinion: · He says he tried hard to make the relationship work, but it wasn't hard enough as far as I'm concerned.· I will not go on a plane. As far as I'm concerned, they're just accidents waiting to happen.
spoken say this especially when you are giving your opinion about a particular problem: · If you ask me, getting rid of the death tax is the best thing they could do.· All this stuff about poisons in the water supply is a load of hogwash, if you ask me.
spoken say this when giving your opinion: · To me, the system seemed too complicated for most people. · They call Ned Kelly a criminal, but to me he will always be a hero.
say this when giving your opinion: · As I see it, there are two alternatives. We can either stay with your parents or rent a place.· The way I see it, if you don't borrow money now, you'll lose the opportunity to expand the business.
spoken say this to emphasize that something is your opinion: · Personally, I think it's a crazy idea.· Personally, I don't care how it gets done, as long as it's done quickly.personally speaking: · Personally speaking, I think it's a great name for a cigarette.
WORD SETS
acolyte, nounafterlife, nounagnostic, nounangel, nounanimism, nounanoint, verbapostasy, nounapostate, nounarchangel, nounbelieve, verbbeliever, nounbell-ringer, nounbless, verbblessed, adjectiveblessing, nouncelebrant, nounChristian Science, nouncircumcise, verbcircumcision, nouncommunion, nounconfession, nounconvent, nounconversion, nounconvert, nouncoreligionist, nouncowl, nouncredo, nouncreed, nouncult, noundaemon, nounDecalogue, noundefrock, verbdeism, noundenomination, noundenominational, adjectivedevotee, noundevotion, noundevotional, adjectivedevout, adjectivedivine, adjectivedivinity, noundruid, nounfaith, nounfast day, nounfeast, nounfervour, nounfiesta, nounfollow, verbfrankincense, noungentile, noungod, noungoddess, noungrace, nounhabit, nounhair shirt, nounhallelujah, interjectionhallowed, adjectivehalo, nounheathen, adjectiveheathen, nounheaven, nounheavenly, adjectivehell, nounheresy, nounheretic, nounhermit, nounhermitage, nounheterodox, adjectivehigh priest, nounidol, nounidolatry, nounincarnation, nounincense, nouninfidel, nounintercession, nouninvocation, nouninvoke, verbirreligious, adjective-ism, suffixlayman, nounlaywoman, nounlibation, nounliturgical, adjectiveliturgy, nounmartyr, nounmartyr, verbmeditate, verbmeditation, nounmission, nounmonastery, nounmonastic, adjectivemonk, nounmonotheism, nounMoonie, nounMormon, nounMosaic, adjectivemystery play, nounmystic, nounmystical, adjectivemysticism, nounneophyte, nounnovice, nounnovitiate, nounnuminous, adjectivenun, nounnunnery, nounoblation, nounobservance, nounoffering, nounOlympian, adjectiveordain, verborder, nounorthodox, adjectiveotherworldly, adjectivepagan, adjectivepagan, nounpantheism, nounpantheon, nounParsee, nounpilgrim, nounpilgrimage, nounpious, adjectivepluralism, nounpolytheism, nounpractise, verbpray, verbprayer, nounprayer wheel, nounpreach, verbpreacher, nounpriest, nounpriestess, nounpriesthood, nounpriestly, adjectiveprophet, nounprophetess, nounpurify, verbRasta, nounRastafarian, nounRastaman, nounRE, nounrecant, verbreincarnation, nounreligious, adjectivereligiously, adverbreliquary, nounrepent, verbretreat, nounrevelation, nounrevivalism, nounrite, nounritual, nounsacred, adjectivesacrifice, nounsacrifice, verbsacrificial, adjectivesanctify, verbsanctity, nounsanctuary, nounsanctum, nounsatanism, nounscripture, nounsect, nounsectarian, adjectiveservice, nounshaman, nounShinto, nounshrine, nounsin, nounsin, verbsinful, adjectivesinner, nounsoul, nounspirit, nounspiritual, adjectivespiritualism, nounspirituality, nounSr, sun god, nounsuppliant, nounsupplicant, nounsupplication, nounSupreme Being, nounTao, nounTaoism, nountemple, nountenet, nounthanksgiving, nountheism, nountheo-, prefixtheocracy, nountheologian, nountheological college, nountheology, nountonsure, nountranscendental, adjectivetranscendental meditation, nountransmigration, noununbelief, noununbeliever, nounungodly, adjectiveunholy, adjectiveunorthodox, adjectivevisionary, nounvoodoo, nounvotary, nounworship, verbworship, noun
Collocations
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
 I don’t believe a word of it (=I think it is completely untrue).
(=think that something is true) ‘Have they arrived yet?’ ‘Yes, I believe so.’
 The four men are widely believed (=believed by a lot of people) to have been killed by their captors.
 Did you honestly believe that I’d be stupid enough to do that?
 I firmly believe that the business will be a success.
 I could scarcely believe my luck.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
· She didn’t believe his excuse for one minute.
· Legal experts believe that the evidence will not be accepted in court.
 His victims genuinely believed that he was helping them.
· Do you believe in God?
 Most Americans believe in God.
 It was hard to see what else we could have done. It’s hard to believe that anyone would say something like that.
· We believe in the ideal of justice for all.
 He had led everyone to believe that his family was very wealthy. The hotel was terrible, and not at all what we had been led to expect.
· How could you believe his lies?
· I couldn’t believe my luck as my number was called out!
 He seems to be living in a world of make-believe.
· Do you believe in miracles?
· People still believe the myth that money will bring them happiness.
· Don’t tell me you believe all this nonsense about ghosts!
 Vitamin C is popularly believed to prevent colds.
 The accommodation was so awful it had to be seen to be believed (=you would not believe it if you did not see it yourself).
· The jury did not believe Evans’s story.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
· For Mr Crump, Trust, he would say and firmly believe, was the foundation of his business and his life.· And that, I firmly believe, is our purpose in life.· He firmly believed this was the only sensible course to pursue.· I believe firmly in the integrity of ingredients and the virtue of seeking the highest quality.· Therefore I firmly believe that there is a place for netting on into the future.· I firmly believe in the cooperative ethic, I talk about it a lot.· I firmly believe that it would be impossible to deliver that objective, even had we wanted it.· He firmly believes music should elevate and inspire its listeners, not lull and numb them.
· I could hardly believe what I heard.· He who is proclaimed a saint need hardly believe in sainthood.· Jenking and Faulknor could hardly believe that it was possible to have such a difference from either side of the ship.· Jezrael could hardly believe such extravagance.· I could hardly believe my eyes.
· But one conclusion from that observation is that the theists themselves have no idea what they believe in.· She smiled and went right on believing in herself and in her frail body.· You're less likely to be criticised for what you really believe in.· I believe in passing on hope, not despair.· Yet they were doing what they believed in.· But the war was hard to believe in, and nowhere to be seen.· He heard Maisie's voice once more: What do you believe in?· Why settle for mediocre goals when you could achieve something really wonderful? Believe in yourself!
· I might really believe that smoking cigarettes does me no harm.· But I really believe everybody is going to step up.· Mr. Leigh I do not think that the hon. Lady really believes all that.· And who really believes that there is no lobbying problem at the Capitol?· Perhaps they did not really believe in them - or did they?· Funny, but this time I really believe it.· Does the public really believe these stories are spilled willingly over friendly cups of tea?· If Coach, if Mr Lewis, really believed I could do this...
· Such action, I believed - and still believe - would have played into the hands of my enemies.· Many traders and economists still believe the dollar is likely to head higher in the medium term.· Men as a rule are very selfish and still believe that women are born to serve them.· I still believed Jasper would live.· I still believe we were right, but don't stand too near to me - just in case.· As for me, I still believe in trees.· Most agents at headquarters still believed he would be fully operable once his parallel systems booted up and stopped the repetition.
· They doubt that Caravaggio was even homosexual, as is widely believed.· It was widely believed that he had been fired by the Board of Higher Education.· It was widely believed that had Mr Dempsey not announced his resignation he would have been forced to step down.· He was widely believed in the Arab world.· No one attempted to rescue him because it was widely believed that Farini had concocted the entire accident.· Today it is widely believed that the dream of escape can come true at last.· Political observers widely believe Perot is backing the Reform Party as a vehicle that would allow him to seek the presidency again.
NOUN
· I couldn't believe my luck.· They believe it is bad luck.· I sometimes could not believe my good luck, and was grateful for it.· I believed it brought me luck.· Hargreaves couldn't believe his luck when G.G. MacPhee reliably informed him it hadn't been climbed.· Impoverished Ojani Noa couldn't believe his luck.· Sally-Anne could not believe her luck!· She couldn't believe her luck.
· Many people believe that they help emotional and psychological symptoms; they are available from some chemists and health food shops.· The people believed, and many of them were putting money into improving their homes, modernizing their small businesses.· In New York, police estimated that 4,700,000 people watched what was believed to be the largest-ever ticker-tape parade.· Many fat people believe that just meeting Richard Simmons in person is enough to motivate them enough to become thin.· At least 6 people are believed to have been killed.· When they began appearing all over town, people began believing he could win.· Many people in Orkney believed he was succeeding - until the morning of 27 February 1991.· A recent poll found that more young people believe in UFOs than believe Social Security will exist when they retire.
· The diplomat told police he believed that his brakes failed.· West Mercia Police believe they now have one of the world's most sophisticated centres for training armed officers.· Close to the tree was a shattered tumbler, which police believe Elizabeth used to try to defend herself.· Colin Richardson, Mrs Godwin's neighbour, says Police believe the motive for the murders was robbery.· The police believe magistrates are under pressure to grant bail, even when officers advise them it could be dangerous.· Here thieves removed a picture from the wall and police believe they then walked out with it hidden under a long raincoat.· He was seen in the city at around 5.30am yesterday. Police believe he could have taken the train from Lime Street.
· There are good family economic reasons for believing that fertility will not become high.· Is there reason to believe some-thing will be different this time than in years gone by?· She has no reason to believe that it was anything other than an accident.· And there is little reason to believe that the gray matter inside the skull changed much, either.· There is, then, no reason to believe Freemantle when she claims to have had little interest in poetry.· Thus, Chirac had good reasons to believe that his majority in the National Assembly would lose the elections scheduled for 1998.· If the arrivals of comets in the inner Solar System were totally haphazard we would have little reason to believe such ideas.· But, for the first time, there is reason to believe that this is over.
VERB
· Your son-in-law and his boss may have taken this precaution, but can his wife believe his word?· He is not short. Can you believe that such perfection is mere happenstance?
· We are led to believe that there are administrative problems.· All of which might lead you to believe they were rather learned, charitable folk.· He did not see any of the prisoners but was led to believe they were still inside.· I had led him to believe that he was not so much a servant as a comrade.· He is leading us to believe that the information will never be provided.· Contrary to what some Democrats would lead you to believe, U. S. Sen.· Museum officials, however, claim they were led to believe that Portland stone would be used.· She was older than first glance had led Christina to believe.
Phrases
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
  • Would you believe it, she actually remembered my birthday!
  • No, it's too far to walk, believe me.
  • And believe me, my wife does not enjoy reminding me twice.
  • But I could see from the look in his eyes that he did not believe me.
  • Conrad and Philippa don't believe me, not really.
  • No, no, believe me, the less she knows of my activities, the better.
  • Oh, please, you must believe me.
  • There is nothing to do now but wait, and believe me, midnight seems like a week away.
  • Those who did believe me offered no solace; only sympathy and empty platitudes.
  • You think they gon na believe me?
  • "Do they make money on them?" "You'd better believe it!"
► don’t you believe it!
  • I couldn't believe my ears when she told me the cheapest flight was $1,100.
► if you believe that, you’ll believe anything
  • But seeing is believing, as they say.
  • If you're still not convinced, seeing is believing.
  • We are left with the unspecific practical objection, the objection that is as much to say that only seeing is believing.
  • When only seeing is believing the unseen reproductive anatomy of the female can not be an article of faith.
  • Female speaker It's hard to believe it's happened.
  • It's hard to believe another child could do such a thing.
  • It's hard to believe just how dire it is.
  • It's hard to believe Marie's got a husband.
  • It's hard to believe now but I actually made do with hooks for a while!
  • It's hard to believe that he started painting in World War Two and is still painting today.
  • It's hard to believe, but we're fast approaching the dessert hour.
  • The ideological points are still there but it's hard to believe that totalitarian regimentation could be so tight.
  • I can't believe you lied to me!
  • When I saw the video, I was like, I don't believe it!
  • Well, believe it or not, we're getting married.
  • And so, believe it or not, he puts on the magic shoes and limps off to the funeral.
  • But, believe it or not, neither are the networks.
  • Lives in the next village, believe it or not.
  • Name's Virginia, believe it or not.
  • Now this happened to me again, believe it or not, a year or two later.
  • She put on her pale-blue linen Jaeger dress and, believe it or not, a little hat.
  • The eventual headliners, believe it or not, were Mud.
  • This week, believe it or not, another, almost identical saga began.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
  • Some people fondly believe that chess-playing computers work by internally trying out all possible combinations of chess moves.
  • Some Tories fondly imagine that privatisation will eliminate the need to subsidise the railways.
  • The Gombe rainforest is not the sort of Eden we might fondly imagine.
  • A parting sniff as she left the room gave the gentleman to understand that he had disappointed her.
  • But he had also given her time to think what she was doing.
  • But the knotted tensions between people and groups of people give us plenty to think about.
  • He would have given anything to believe that Isambard was lying.
  • Ireland would be given something new to think about.
  • It obviously gave him plenty to think about.
  • She'd given more time to thinking about Lucy than anything else for months.
  • After reading this book, you might be inclined to think so.
  • Before then, we are inclined to believe only hip jazz musicians and self-destructive beat poets did dope.
  • I am inclined to believe the police.
  • Or did he, as some are inclined to think, actually invent it?
  • Some conservative politicians were inclined to agree.
  • Still, when he makes a statement such as you refer to, I would be inclined to believe him.
  • We are inclined to think of connections between earlier and later events rather than connections between simultaneous events.
  • You are inclined to agree with their judgement.
  • I'd like to believe that he's telling the truth.
  • I'd like to think I know a little about airplanes.
  • But I 'd like to think that gallantry isn't dead.
  • Dad and I clashed more than I 'd like to think about.
  • I 'd like to think Beardsley and Wright will get the nod and Graham doesn't get it wrong again.
  • I 'd like to think that it does have some meaning.
  • It is a novelty record in some respects, although I 'd like to think it's a lot deeper than that too.
  • Perhaps it wasn't very subtle, but I 'd like to think it was funny.
  • Right, kids. We don't have any proper cowboy hats so you'll have to make believe.
  • She's not really a queen -- it's only make-believe.
  • The two little girls used to make believe that they were princesses.
  • You can't go on making believe that nothing is wrong.
  • For two hours, they're packed together as the Hercules fly low above the make believe battle zone.
  • If somebody gives you something to read, you make believe you read it..
  • Or l would make believe he owed me money.
  • She made believe that they were as happy together as they should be, and was careful to weep only in secret.
  • The make believe world of Disney is a truly magical experience that knows no age barriers.
  • You seem to think that it's all a game, a make believe.
► not think/believe etc for one minute
  • His hand had not wavered for a moment.
  • His leader did not believe for one moment the protestations of innocence.
  • I do not concede for a moment that this is a devolution measure.
  • I would not suggest for one moment that they existed here.
  • Neither team will half-step, not even for a moment.
  • Do not believe a word of it.
  • For the rest of the journey Maria prattled on about Bradford, but Ruth did not hear a word.
  • However, it also shows that they are not very useful, for Hera did not believe a word of it.
  • I kept it up until I was certain you were not hearing a word.
  • To date I've not heard word one about such a plague in the Czech Republic.
  • We had not heard a word about my father all this time.
Word family
WORD FAMILYnounbeliefdisbeliefbelieveradjectivebelievable ≠ unbelievabledisbelievingverbbelieve ≠ disbelieveadverbunbelievably
1[transitive] to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth:  You shouldn’t believe everything you read. I believed him, even though his story sounded unlikely.believe (that) I don’t believe he’s only 25. I don’t believe a word of it (=I think it is completely untrue).2[transitive] to think that something is true or possible, although you are not completely surebelieve (that) Detectives believe that the victim knew his killer.it is believed (that) It is believed that the house was built in 1735.believe so (=think that something is true) ‘Have they arrived yet?’ ‘Yes, I believe so.’be believed to be something At 115, Mrs Jackson is believed to be the oldest person in the country. The four men are widely believed (=believed by a lot of people) to have been killed by their captors. Did you honestly believe that I’d be stupid enough to do that? I firmly believe that the business will be a success.► see thesaurus at think3it’s difficult/hard to believe (that) used when you are surprised that something is true:  Sometimes, it’s hard to believe we’ve been married for 50 years.SPOKEN PHRASES4can’t/don’t believe something used when you are very surprised or shocked by something:  I can’t believe he’s expecting us to work on Sunday! I couldn’t believe it when he told me what had happened.can hardly/scarcely believe something I could scarcely believe my luck.5believe it or not used when you are saying something that is true but surprising:  He enjoys school, believe it or not.6would you believe it! (also I don’t believe it!) used when you are surprised or angry about something:  And then he just walked out. Would you believe it!7believe (you) me used to emphasize that something is definitely true:  There’ll be trouble when they find out about this, believe you me!8 you’d better believe it! used to emphasize that something is true9 don’t you believe it! used to emphasize that something is definitely not true10can’t believe your eyes/ears used to say that someone is very surprised by something they see or hear11if you believe that, you’ll believe anything used to say that something is definitely not true, and that anyone who believes it must be stupid12seeing is believing (also I’ll believe it when I see it) used to say that you will only believe that something happens or exists when you actually see it13[intransitive] to have a religious faith:  She says those who believe will go to heaven. → make believe at make1(19)GRAMMARPatterns with believe• You believe that something is true: · We believe that all men are equal.• You believe that something should happen: · We believe all men should be treated equally.• You believe that someone can do something: · I still believe that we can win.• You believe that something might or could happen: · Do you believe that things might change?• In more formal English, you can say it is believed that: · It was believed that the King’s touch could cure diseases.• In all the above patterns with that, ‘that’ can be omitted: · We believe all men are equal.Grammar guide ‒ VERBS• You can use the phrases I believe so or I don’t believe so, usually to give a short answer: · ‘Are they married?’ ‘I believe so.’· ‘Were there any problems?’ ‘I don’t believe so.’ ✗Don’t say: I believe it.Using the progressiveBelieve is not used in the progressive. You say: · I believe you. ✗Don’t say: I am believing you.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSto believe somethingbelieve to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth: · I believed her when she said that she loved me.· Don’t believe anything he tells you.accept to believe that something is true, especially because someone has persuaded you to believe it: · His wife accepted his explanation for why he was late.· Leah had slowly come to accept her brother’s version of events.take somebody’s word for it especially spoken to believe what someone says is true, even though you have no proof or experience of it: · I don’t know anything about him, so I’ll just have to take your word for it.· You don’t have to take my word for it – go and see for yourself.· ‘Cakes are very easy to make.’ ‘I’ll take your word for it.’give somebody the benefit of the doubt to believe what someone says, even though you think it might not be true: · Unless you have proof, you should give him the benefit of the doubt.to believe something that is untruebe taken in (also fall for something informal) to be tricked into believing something that is not true: · A lot of people were taken in by these claims.· I can’t believe she fell for that old excuse!swallow informal to believe a story or explanation that is not true, especially when this makes you seem silly: · His aunt had swallowed his story unquestioningly.· Police refused to swallow his story, and put him in a cell.believe in somebody/something phrasal verb1to be sure that someone or something exists:  Do you believe in God?2to think that something is effective or right:  I don’t believe in these diets.believe in doing something The school believes in letting children learn at their own pace.3to trust someone and be confident that they will be successful:  The people want a president they can believe in. Believe in yourself, or you’ll never succeed.
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