believe
UK[bɪˈliːv]US[bɪˈliːv]
v
to be certain that something is true or that someone is telling the truth
v
to have a religious faith
v
to think or suppose something
Morpheme Breakdown
be
lieve
be
thoroughly
lieve
Etymology
the modern english verb 'believe' originates from the old english belēfan, which itself is a combination of the intensive prefix be- and the core element related to lēof, meaning 'dear'. this etymological path reveals a conceptual shift from the emotional state of 'holding something dear' or 'considering it agreeable' to the cognitive act of accepting something as true. the sense development moved from affection and trust in a person to intellectual assent to a proposition. this evolution connects the personal, relational foundation of trust to the more abstract mental conviction we associate with the word today.
Analysis
Structure: be + lieve
be- (old english, an intensifying prefix meaning 'thoroughly') + lieve (from old english lēof 'dear, beloved', via the reconstructed verb gelēfan 'to hold dear, to consider agreeable')
Examples
i believe every word he says.
she believes in a higher power.
i believe we have met before.