- To believe in
- Believe Be*lieve", v. i.
1. To have a firm persuasion, esp. of the truths of religion;
to have a persuasion approaching to certainty; to exercise
belief or faith.
[1913 Webster]
Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. --Mark ix. 24. [1913 Webster]
With the heart man believeth unto righteousness. --Rom. x. 10. [1913 Webster]
2. To think; to suppose. [1913 Webster]
I will not believe so meanly of you. --Fielding. [1913 Webster]
{To believe in}. (a) To believe that the subject of the thought (if a person or thing) exists, or (if an event) that it has occurred, or will occur; -- as, to believe in the resurrection of the dead. ``She does not believe in Jupiter.'' --J. H. Newman. (b) To believe that the character, abilities, and purposes of a person are worthy of entire confidence; -- especially that his promises are wholly trustworthy. ``Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.'' --John xiv. 1. (c) To believe that the qualities or effects of an action or state are beneficial: as, to believe in sea bathing, or in abstinence from alcoholic beverages.
{To believe on}, to accept implicitly as an object of religious trust or obedience; to have faith in. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
