Synonyms think
think ▪ believe ▪ feel ▪ reckon ▪ be under the impression
These words all mean to have an idea that something is true or possible or to have a particular opinion about somebody/​something.
think to have an idea that something is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about somebody/​something:
Do you think (that) they’ll come?
Well, I like it. What do you think?
believe to have an idea that something is true or possible, although you are not completely certain; to have a particular opinion about somebody/​something:
Police believe (that) the man may be armed.
think or believe?
When you are expressing an idea that you have or that somebody has of what is true or possible, believe is more formal than think. It is used especially for talking about ideas that other people have; think is used more often for talking about your own ideas: Police believe… • I think… When you are expressing an opinion, believe is stronger than think and is used especially for matters of principle; think is used more for practical matters or matters of personal taste.
feel to have a particular opinion about something that has happened or about what you/​somebody ought to do:
We all felt (that) we were unlucky to lose.
reckon (informal) to think that something is true or possible:
I reckon (that) I’m going to get that job.
be under the impression that… to have an idea that something is true:
I was under the impression that the work had already been completed.
Patterns
to think/​believe/​feel/​reckon/​be under the impression that…
It is thought/​believed/​reckoned that…
to be thought/​believed/​felt/​reckoned to be something
to think/​believe/​feel something about somebody/​something
to sincerely/​honestly/​seriously/​mistakenly think/​believe/​feel