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What’s the main difference between 'belief' and 'believe'? So, 'believe' (with a v) is a verb. It means to have confidence in the truth. Then, 'belief' (with an f) is a noun. It means a religious faith or the feeling of being certain that something is true. 

Because 'belief' and 'believe' are almost homophones (words that sound alike), they are often confused. Here are some tips on how to tell them apart. 

Belief vs Believe – the difference

Belief 

Is a noun: A word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality. 

Believe 

Is a verb: A word or phrase that describes an action, condition, or experience.

Belief vs Believe – the definitions

Belief 

  • The feeling of being certain that something exists or is true. 

  • A religious faith. 

Believe 

Verb (used without object) 

  • To have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so. 

Verb (used with object) 

  • To have confidence or faith in the truth (a positive assertion, story). 

  • To have confidence in the claims of (a person). 

  • To have an opinion that (a person or thing) is, has been, or will be engaged in a given action.

Belief vs Believe – the synonyms

Belief 

The synonyms for this word include: Acceptance, confidence, conviction, faith, hope, opinion, theory, understanding, feeling. 

Believe 

The synonyms for this word include: Think, accept, admit, consider, hold, trust, conclude, suppose, understand.