phrase

I believe

eye buh-LEEV

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I believe (phrase) means used to introduce something you think is true but are not certain of, softening a statement so you are not claiming it as fact. Example: “I believe she left the company last spring.”

phrase

Used to introduce something you think is true but are not certain of, softening a statement so you are not claiming it as fact.

"I believe she left the company last spring."

"This is, I believe, the oldest pub in the county."

Used to state a firm conviction, especially a moral or religious one.

"I believe everyone deserves a second chance."

"I believe in God, but not in organised religion."

How to use I believe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA way of saying you think something is true without being completely sure.

When to use it

Neutral. Common as a politeness hedge in speech and email, and as an emphatic opener in speeches and manifestos.

Memory tip

The that after I believe is optional and usually dropped in speech: I believe he's already gone.

Easily confused with

I think → I feel I reckon

Common pairings

I believe so I believe not I believe in you I firmly believe

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ she left the company last spring.

Synonyms

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I think as far as I know if I'm not mistaken I gather

Related words

I think IIRC IMK in my opinion

Rhymes for I believe

eve neve nieve sieve reeve Steve Maeve cleve sleeve grieve achieve believe

See all rhymes for I believe →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between I believe and I think?

I think usually introduces an opinion or a working guess. I believe leans slightly more towards conviction — either a considered position or a genuine belief you hold. In casual speech about facts, the two are almost interchangeable, though I believe sounds a little more formal and careful.

Is it weak to write I believe in an essay?

In academic writing it is generally avoided, because it attributes a claim to your feelings rather than to evidence. Argue from the evidence instead. In opinion writing, letters and speeches it is perfectly good, and can be forceful.

What is the difference between I believe and I believe in?

I believe that something is the case concerns whether a statement is true. I believe in something expresses trust, faith or support for it: I believe in her, I believe in free healthcare. Only the second takes a person or a cause as its object.

What is the meaning of I believe?

"I believe" (phrase) means used to introduce something you think is true but are not certain of, softening a statement so you are not claiming it as fact.

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I think IIRC IMK in my opinion