What does the phrasal verb “believe in” mean?

What are the definitions of “believe in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Have faith or confidence in something or someone.

  I don’t believe in miracles.

• 2. Have faith or confidence in someone or something.

  Some of his previous supporters have stopped believing in him.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “believe in”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb believe in is to have faith or confidence in someone or something. It means that you trust and support a person or idea. For example, you can believe in a friend, a religion, or a cause.

What are the different verb forms of “believe in”?

Root Verb	believe in
Third Person Singular Present	believes in
Present Participle	believing in
Simple Past	believed in
Past Participle	believed in

Example

I believe in the power of love.

Example

She believes in the importance of education.

Example

He is believing in his team's ability to win the game.

Example

They believed in the project and invested their time and money.

Example

The idea was believed in by many people.

What kind of phrasal verb is “believe in”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“believe in” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

I believe in you.

Example

She believes in the power of positive thinking.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“believe in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I believe in you.

Example

She believes in the power of positive thinking.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “believe in”?

Believe in oneself

Have confidence in one's own abilities or potential.

Example

To succeed, you must believe in yourself and your abilities.

Believe in a higher power

Have faith in a divine being or force, such as God or the universe.

Example

Many people find comfort in believing in a higher power.

Believe in love

Have faith in the power and importance of love in one's life.

Example

Despite her past experiences, she still believes in love.

Good things to know

Does “believe in” have an informal or formal tone?

Believe in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as speeches, presentations, or written works.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “believe in”?

Synonyms

• trust
• have faith in
• have confidence in
• rely on
• depend on
• count on

Antonyms

• doubt
• disbelieve
• mistrust
• question
• skepticism
• disregard