Believe vs. Trust

synonyms

These two verbs are closely related but they have subtle differences in meaning and grammar which we are going to discuss in this lesson.

What is the difference between 'believe' and 'trust'?

While 'believe' relates to accepting something as true or real, 'trust' focuses on having confidence, reliance, or faith in someone or something and is mostly concerned with relationships between people. This lesson will discuss the differences in the meaning and grammar of these two verbs in detail.

Difference in Meaning

'Trust' is about having confidence in someone's integrity and relying on their honesty and responsible behavior. It involves a continuous state of having faith in someone, typically as a result of previous experience. On the other hand, 'believe' is more about being convinced of the truth or accuracy of something. It emphasizes having a strong conviction or assurance in its validity. It refers to a more occasional act of accepting validity of something.

After reviewing all the facts, I believe that he is innocent of the charges.

She told me her side of the story, and I have no reason not to believe her.

To 'believe' someone means to believe what they say, it is not the same as trusting them.

I trust my best friend completely; I know she would never intentionally deceive me.

I find it difficult to trust people easily after being betrayed in the past.

This sentence does not refer to a one-time act of believing the truth of what someone says or does. It refers to an ongoing state of relying on truthfulness of people.

Grammatical Difference

Both 'believe' and 'trust' are transitive verbs. However, they take different objects. 'Believe' can take a noun, pronoun, or a 'that-clause' as its object. While 'trust' can only be used with a noun (phrase) or pronoun.

I believed everything he told me.

'Believe' with a noun phrase as its object.

I believe that he's been telling the truth.

'Believe' with a 'that-clause' as its object.

She trusts me even though I have made some mistakes.

'Trust' with a pronoun as its object.

It's naïve of her to trust that guy.

'Trust' with a noun phrase as its object.