Definition of believe of

The term "believe of" originated in Old English as "beleoban" (a fusion of the words "be" meaning "in," and "leoban" meaning "to hold dear, love, or treasure"). It was used to express the idea of holding something dear or valuable, often indicating a personal belief or opinion rather than a fact or truth. The middle English period (around the 12th century) saw the emergence of "ba(w)elen" which developed into "belesse" in Early Modern English (16th century). "Belesse" took on a more religious connotation, closely linked to the term "believe," which itself comes from the Middle English word "beliven." The phrase "believe of" gained popularity during the 19th century, particularly in American English, as a way to express an individual's beliefs and perspectives. It was commonly used in religious contexts and became associated with faith and conviction, indicating that something was believed to be true, valuable, or important by someone. Today, "believe of" is a commonly used phrase in both American and British English, primarily conveying an individual's personal viewpoint or opinion about a matter. Its use is most common in journalism, academia, and other areas where objectivity and accuracy are valued. However, some grammar experts argue that it can be misleading and unnecessary, preferring instead to use "believes" or "opines" as more straightforward alternatives.