believe

To think that something is true or that someone is telling the truth.

• I believe you.
• We believed his story at first.
• Do you believe that she saw the accident?

How to use it: believe someone/something (I believe your explanation.); believe that… (She believes that the train leaves at noon.)

Similar words: accept, trust

Opposites: doubt, disbelieve

Common phrases: believe someone, believe a story, believe that

To feel sure that something exists, especially a god or something you cannot see.

• I believe in God.
• She never believed in ghosts.
• Do you believe that life exists on other planets?

How to use it: believe in something (Do you believe in ghosts?)

Opposites: disbelieve

Common phrases: believe in god, believe in ghosts

To feel sure that someone or something can succeed or do what is needed.

• I believe in you.
• Her teacher always believed in her talent.
• You must believe in yourself before the competition.

How to use it: believe in someone/something (The coach believes in his young team.)

Similar words: trust, have faith in

Common phrases: believe in yourself, believe in someone, believe in something

To think that an idea or way of doing things is right or good.

• We believe in equal rights.
• She believed in teaching through play.
• Do you believe in rewarding children for good behavior?

How to use it: believe in something (They believe in equal pay.); believe in doing something (I believe in giving everyone a second chance.)

Similar words: support, approve of

Opposites: oppose

Common phrases: believe in equality, believe in something