Disbelief Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คจ
disbelief
[หdษชs.bษชหliหf ]
Definitions
feeling
A feeling of not believing that something is true or real.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- I watched the magic show with disbelief.
- She looked at him in disbelief.
religion
A lack of faith in a particular religion or religious beliefs.
Synonyms
agnosticism, irreligion, unbelief.
Examples of usage
- His disbelief in the afterlife led him to question traditional religious teachings.
- The tribe's disbelief in the gods resulted in a unique set of cultural practices.
fiction
A state of mind where one cannot accept the reality of a fictional story or plot.
Synonyms
discredit, incredulity, skepticism.
Examples of usage
- The twists in the movie left the audience in disbelief.
- Her disbelief in the supernatural made it hard for her to enjoy fantasy novels.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies show that disbelief can be a protective response, helping individuals cope with shocking news.
- Cognitive dissonance theory explains that when confronted with ideas that contradict oneโs beliefs, disbelief can often arise.
- Disbelief can lead to denial โ a psychological defense mechanism to avoid facing uncomfortable truths.
Philosophy
- Philosophers debate the nature of disbelief, especially regarding faith and reason.
- Disbelief is often seen as a critical element in skepticism, encouraging questioning of accepted truths.
- In existentialism, disbelief can symbolize an individual's search for meaning in a world that often seems absurd.
Literature
- Disbelief is a central theme in many literary works, often illustrating characters' struggles with reality.
- Classic literature like 'Alice in Wonderland' explores disbelief as characters encounter fantastical situations.
- Authors use disbelief to build suspense, leaving readers questioning the validity of the story.
Pop Culture
- In movies, disbelief often appears in scenes where characters face the unbelievable โ like aliens or magical events.
- The phrase 'I can't believe it!' has become ubiquitous in social media, reflecting reactions to surprising news.
- Disbelief drives plots in many sci-fi genres, challenging viewers to accept new realities.
Origin of 'disbelief'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'disbelief,' where 'dis-' means 'apart' or 'not' and 'belief' means 'trust or faith.'
- It first appeared in the English language around the late 14th century, highlighting people's skepticism.
- Disbelief is closely related to its antonym, 'belief,' which means to accept something as true.
The word 'disbelief' originated in the 17th century, combining the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'belief'. It has been used to describe a lack of belief or faith in various contexts, ranging from doubts in the truth of something to skepticism towards religious teachings. Over the years, 'disbelief' has evolved to encompass a broader sense of questioning and skepticism in different aspects of life.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #12,426, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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