Make believe that Meaning in English

expression · lemma: make believe

US

ˈmeɪk/ /bɪˈɫiv/ /ˈðæt/, /ðət

MAYK bi-LEEV that (or thuht)

UK

mˈeɪk/ /bɪlˈiːv/ /ðˈæt

MAYK bil-EEV that

Definition

To pretend that something is true, especially for play or imagination. Often used when acting out situations that are not real.

Usage & Nuances

Usually informal and common with children when playing pretend ('make believe that you are a pirate'). Used for acting out imaginary situations. Not typically used in formal contexts. Note: 'make believe' does not always require 'that'. Can be confused with 'pretend', but 'make believe' emphasizes playful imagination.

• Spanish: fingir que - hacer como si
• Portuguese (BR): fingir que - fazer de conta que
• Portuguese (PT): fingir que - fazer de conta que
• Chinese (Simplified): 假装（...）
• Chinese (Traditional): 假裝（...）
• Hindi: कल्पना करना कि - मान लेना कि
• Arabic: يتظاهر بأن - يتخيل أن
• Bengali: ছদ্মবেশ করা - কাল্পনিক ভাবা
• Russian: притворяться - воображать
• Japanese: 〜ごっこをする - ふりをする
• Vietnamese: giả vờ - tưởng tượng
• Korean: 인 척하다 - 상상 놀이하다
• Turkish: mış gibi yapmak - hayal etmek
• Urdu: ڈھونگ رچنا - تصور کرنا
• Indonesian: berpura-pura - bermain imajinasi

Example Sentences

Let's make believe that we're at the beach.

basic

Children make believe that their toys are alive.

basic

Sometimes I make believe that I am a famous singer.

basic

We used to make believe that the living room was a castle when we were kids.

natural

"Can we make believe that you’re a doctor and I’m your patient?" asked the boy.

natural

They always make believe that nothing bothers them, even when they're upset.

natural