noun

1. the state of believing; conviction or acceptance that certain things are true or real
2. faith, esp. religious faith
3. trust or confidence I have belief in his ability
4. anything believed or accepted as true; esp., a creed, doctrine, or tenet
5. an opinion; expectation; judgment my belief is that he'll come

Etymology: ME bileve < bi-, be- + -leve, contr. < ileve < OE geleafa: see believe