Believe vs Beleive
Which spelling is correct?
The correct spelling is believe. "Beleive" is a common misspelling that occurs due to confusion about the "i before e" rule.
✅ Believe (Correct)
The correct spelling follows the "i before e except after c" rule. The word comes from Old English "belēfan" meaning "to have faith."
❌ Beleive (Incorrect)
This misspelling incorrectly places "e" before "i". The correct order is "i" before "e" in this word.
Definition
Believe (verb): To accept something as true or real, often without proof; to have faith or confidence in something or someone.
Examples:
- I believe in your ability to succeed.
- Do you believe in ghosts?
- She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the results.
Synonyms
- Trust
- Accept
- Have faith in
- Confide in
- Faith
- Conviction
- Certainty
- Assurance
Notes:
- The "i before e except after c" rule applies here - "believe" has "i" before "e".
- This rule helps with related words like "belief," "believer," and "believable."
- Remember that "believe" comes from Old English "belēfan" meaning "to have faith."
FAQ
Why do people misspell "believe" as "beleive"?
This misspelling often occurs because of confusion about the "i before e" rule. Some people may have heard the rule but don't remember it correctly, or they may be influenced by words that do have "ei" (like "receive").
Are there other words that follow the same pattern as "believe"?
Yes, words like "relieve," "retrieve," and "achieve" all follow the same "i before e" pattern.
How can I remember the correct spelling?
Think of the phrase "I believe" - the "I" comes first in both the pronoun and the spelling of "believe." This can help you remember that it's "i" before "e" in this word.
Summary
Believe is the correct spelling. The word follows the "i before e except after c" rule, with "i" coming before "e". "Beleive" is a common misspelling that should be avoided. Remember that "believe" and all its forms (believe, believing, believed, believer) maintain the "ie" spelling pattern.