'believe' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'belȳfan,' where 'be-' meant 'about' and 'lyfan' meant 'to allow or trust.'

'belȳfan' changed from the Old English word 'belȳfan' and eventually became the modern English word 'believe'.

Initially, it meant 'to allow or trust,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to accept as true or real.'