Disbelieve: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when someone is convinced that something is not true, often without any room for uncertainty.

• She disbelieves the rumors about her friend.
• Despite all evidence, he continues to disbelieve the idea of climate change.

This is appropriate when someone is unsure or has a lack of conviction about something. It implies uncertainty.

• I doubt we'll finish the project on time.
• She doubted his ability to keep the secret.

This term is best for describing an attitude of doubt or general unwillingness to believe something without convincing evidence. It often has a slightly negative connotation.

• Her skepticism about the project made everyone nervous.
• There is growing skepticism about the new policy.

Use this when someone is actively seeking answers or challenging the validity of something. It involves curiosity or scrutiny.

• He questioned the accuracy of the report.
• She began to question her own beliefs.

Used when someone cannot accept or be convinced of something as true.

• She disbelieves the rumors about her friend.
• He disbelieves the explanation given by the company.

Similar to 'distrust' but often suggests a more general or habitual lack of trust.

• She mistrusts strangers due to past experiences.
• The community's mistrust of the police has been growing.

Useful for indicating a belief that something might be true, especially something negative, without clear proof.

• There was a suspicion that the deal was not entirely legal.
• He looked at her with suspicion, wondering what she was hiding.

Applicable in situations where there is a lack of trust in someone or something, often because of past experiences.

• There was a clear distrust between the two parties.
• The public began to distrust the government after the scandal.

When someone cannot accept something as true or genuine, often with strong personal conviction.

• She disbelieves his story about the encounter with the celebrity.
• Many people disbelieve the claims made by the politician.

When someone feels uncertain or lacks conviction about something, often requiring further evidence.

• He began to doubt his own abilities after the failed project.
• There is some doubt about the accuracy of the report.

A general attitude of questioning or doubt towards accepted beliefs, facts, or statements, often requiring substantial proof.

• There was widespread skepticism towards the new scientific theory.
• She listened to the fantastic claim with a healthy dose of skepticism.

A lack of belief or faith, often used in religious or philosophical contexts.

• His unbelief in the afterlife led him to focus on the present.
• They struggled with unbelief after the tragic events.