Be‐lieve″ (�), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Believed (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Believing.] [OE. bileven (with pref. be- for AS. ge-), fr. AS. gel�fan, gel�fan; akin to D. gelooven, OHG. gilouban, G. glauben, OS. gil�bian, Goth. galaubjan, and Goth. liubs dear. See Lief, a., Leave, n.] To exercise belief in; to credit upon the authority or testimony of another; to be persuaded of the truth of, upon evidence furnished by reasons, arguments, and deductions of the mind, or by circumstances other than personal knowledge; to regard or accept as true; to place confidence in; to think; to consider; as, to believe a person, a statement, or a doctrine.
Our conqueror (whom I now
Of force believe almighty).
Milton.
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets?
Acts xxvi. 27.
Often followed by a dependent clause.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts viii. 37.
Syn. — See Expect.