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Eloas
27 January

  • Russian
  • English (US)
Question about English (US)

What is the difference between Believe and Guess and Suppose and Seems ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.

Example:
I believe that this company was founded 5 years ago.
I guess that this company was founded 5 years ago.
I suppose that this company was founded 5 years ago.
It seems to me that this company was founded 5 years ago.

Is there any difference in meaning?
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kyankoana
27 January

  • English (US)

I believe is more of you’re not 100% sure, but you’re mostly sure. I guess and I suppose is a little less sure, it’s as if you don’t really know the answer but that’s what you would assume (guess and suppose are synonyms, so you can sometimes use them interchangeably). It seems is a little like you believe the company was founded five years ago, you’re more confident in the answer. However, were you to say “it seems” then that would imply that there is evidence that supports your answer. For example: “It seems that based on this “five year anniversary” banner, the company was founded 5 years ago.” Let me know if that was confusing at all!

Eloas
27 January

  • Russian
@kyankoana I believe and It seems to me.. interchangeably?
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kyankoana
27 January

  • English (US)

In certain situations, they are interchangeable. However, you would usually use “it seems” in a context where you have some evidence of the thing you are assuming. This isn’t always the case though, and people would probably understand if you used them the same way!

Shafica
27 January

  • English (US)

Believe:

Believe has twomeanings.

1. to accept something as true: especially if that belief is personal or religious ;
I believe in God.

2. to feel sure of something
I believe you. (I'm sure that you're telling the truth.)
I believe today is Tuesday. (I'm sure it's Tuesday)

3. to.hold (something) as an opinion; to think something is true

I believe the Raiders will win the NFL championship. (It's my opinion)

"I believe we've already met." (I think we met before.)

Guess

to guess: to estimate or suppose something without enough information to be absolutely sure.

I would guess he's at least eight years old. (estimating)
I guess she's dating John now. (supposing)

Suppose:
To suppose is to suggest that you possibly could do something, but you're not really sure that you want to.

I suppose I could lend you the money, but I will need it back next week.

Seem

To seem means to give an impression of or to appear like (something)

It seems they are angry. (They appear angry by the look on their faces.)

It seems to me that you haven't done anything. (It looks like you didn't do anything)

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