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.
had believed
-
past perfectof believe.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Spielberg, whose "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" remains one of cinema's defining alien stories, told the crowd he had believed since childhood that humanity was not alone in the universe.
From Barron's ● Mar. 14, 2026
She said she had believed other articles were sourced from leaks by police officers or the Crown Prosecution Service, but now thought they had relied on unlawfully gathered information.
From BBC ● Feb. 2, 2026
Scientists had believed that thorium needed to be embedded in a transparent material so laser light could reach and excite the nucleus.
From Science Daily ● Jan. 8, 2026
Until recently, markets had believed that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi—seen as being in favor of accommodative monetary policy—would disapprove of higher interest rates.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 17, 2025
Oh, I knew it well, who had believed in grieving's seemliness; I knew it as well as she—Clytie—knew it.
From "Absalom, Absalom!" by William Faulkner
