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Incredible: meaning, definitions and examples

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incredible

 

[ɪnˈkrɛdəbəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

amazing

Impossible to believe; astonishing.

Synonyms

amazing, astonishing, extraordinary, remarkable, unbelievable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incredible

Use when describing something that is hard to believe due to its extraordinariness.

  • The magician's trick was incredible.
  • Her recovery after the illness was incredible.
amazing

Used for something that causes great surprise or wonder.

  • The fireworks show was amazing.
  • He has done an amazing job with the project.
unbelievable

Often used to describe something so extraordinary that it seems impossible; may imply skepticism or disbelief.

  • His story was unbelievable.
  • The view from the mountain was unbelievable.
astonishing

Implies something extremely surprising or impressive.

  • The speed of the car was astonishing.
  • Her performance was astonishing.
remarkable

Used for something worthy of attention or notice.

  • She has a remarkable talent for painting.
  • This is a remarkable achievement.
extraordinary

Reserved for something very unusual or remarkable.

  • He showed extraordinary bravery.
  • The architecture of the building is extraordinary.

Examples of usage

  • That was an incredible performance by the singer.
  • The view from the top of the mountain was incredible.
  • The special effects in the movie were truly incredible.
  • She told an incredible story about her travels around the world.
  • The team's comeback was nothing short of incredible.
Context #2 | Adjective

unbelievable

Difficult to believe; extraordinary.

Synonyms

amazing, astonishing, extraordinary, remarkable, unbelievable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incredible

Used to describe something so extraordinary that it is hard to believe. Often used to denote excitement or amazement.

  • The view from the mountain was incredible
  • The magician performed incredible feats
unbelievable

Used to describe something so extraordinary that it is hard to accept as true or real. It can be used positively or negatively, depending on the situation.

  • The plot of the movie was unbelievable
  • The amount of money he spent was unbelievable
amazing

Used when something leaves one in awe and wonder. It carries a positive connotation and is often used in everyday situations to express admiration.

  • The fireworks display was amazing
  • She did an amazing job on her presentation
extraordinary

Used to describe something that is very unusual or remarkable, often exceeding ordinary expectations. It can be applied in formal and informal contexts.

  • Her ability to solve complex problems is extraordinary
  • The team showed extraordinary courage in the face of adversity
remarkable

Used for something worthy of attention or extraordinary. It generally carries a positive meaning and is often used to describe accomplishments or characteristics.

  • He has a remarkable talent for music
  • The progress she has made is remarkable
astonishing

Used to describe something that causes great surprise or amazement. It is often used in more formal contexts or to highlight something exceptionally surprising.

  • The scientist made an astonishing discovery
  • His recovery after the accident was astonishing

Examples of usage

  • The athlete's speed was incredible, breaking all records.
  • The chef's skill in the kitchen was truly incredible.
  • The rescue mission was an incredible display of bravery.
  • The technology behind the invention was absolutely incredible.
  • The support from the community was incredible during the crisis.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'incredible' comes from the Latin 'incredibilis', which means 'not to be believed.'
  • It was first used in the English language in the 15th century, referring primarily to someone or something too extraordinary to be believed.
  • The prefix 'in-' signifies negation, while 'credere' means 'to believe,' highlighting its origins in the context of doubt or surprise.

Pop Culture

  • The term gained immense popularity with the animated movie 'The Incredibles,' featuring a family of superheroes, which made audiences rethink what is possible.
  • In modern slang, 'incredible' is often used casually to describe anything that is exceptionally good, from music to food.
  • Popular songs in recent years have featured the word in their lyrics, often emphasizing awe and admiration for experiences or people.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that the human brain is hardwired to respond to things we consider incredible, often triggering a strong emotional reaction.
  • Experiences labeled as 'incredible' can lead to a release of dopamine in the brain, creating feelings of pleasure and excitement.
  • Cognitive dissonance plays a role when we encounter incredible events, challenging our expectations and causing us to reassess our beliefs.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses the term to describe heroes overcoming impossible odds, inspiring readers with stories of courage and adventure.
  • In poetry, incredible imagery and metaphors can create a profound impact, evoking strong emotions and exciting the imagination.
  • Famous writers like Mark Twain and Charles Dickens have used the word to encapsulate larger-than-life characters and extraordinary events.

Science

  • Marvelous discoveries in science are frequently labeled as incredible, such as breakthroughs in medicine or technology that change lives.
  • The concept of 'incredible' is often associated with natural phenomena, like the Northern Lights, which captivate observers with their beauty.
  • In engineering, incredible designs and structures push the boundaries of what's possible, such as futuristic buildings and bridges.

Translations

Translations of the word "incredible" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incrível

🇮🇳 अविश्वसनीय

🇩🇪 unglaublich

🇮🇩 luar biasa

🇺🇦 неймовірний

🇵🇱 niesamowity

🇯🇵 信じられない

🇫🇷 incroyable

🇪🇸 increíble

🇹🇷 inanılmaz

🇰🇷 믿을 수 없는

🇸🇦 لا يصدق

🇨🇿 neuvěřitelný

🇸🇰 neuveriteľný

🇨🇳 难以置信

🇸🇮 neverjeten

🇮🇸 ótrúlegt

🇰🇿 керемет

🇬🇪 გაუსაძლისი

🇦🇿 inanılmaz

🇲🇽 increíble

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,951 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.