R E F E R E N C E S
Belief/believe n [ME beleave, prob. alter. of OE geléafa, fr. ge-, associative prefix + léafa; akin to OE lÿefan] [12c] 1: a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing 2: something believed; esp: a tenet or body of tenets held by a group 3: conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon esp. when based on examination of evidence
-syn Belief, Faith, Credence, Credit mean assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance. Belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer [my belief that I had caught all the errors]. Faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof [an unshakable faith in God]. Credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent [a theory now given credence by scientists]. Credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof [gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness].
-syn see in addition Opinion
Believe vb [ME beleven, fr. OE beféfan, fr. be- + lÿefan, léfan to allow, believe; akin to OHG gilouben to believe, OE léaf dear -more at Love] vi [bef. 12c] 1a: to have a firm religious faith b: to accept as true, genuine, or real [ideals we __ in] [__s in ghosts] 2: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something [__ in exercise] 3: to hold an opiinion: Think [I __ so] -vt 1a: to consider to be true or honest [__ the reports] [you wouldn't __ how long it took] b: to accept the word or evidence of [ I __ you] [couldn't __ my ears] 2: to hold as an opinion: Suppose [I __ it will rain soon] -not believe: to be astounded at [I couldntÍs believe my luck]
[Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition. Springfield, MA, USA: Merriam-Webster, Inc. 1995.]
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