Incredibly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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incredibly

[ɪnˈkrɛdəbli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

adverb

In a manner or to a degree that is extraordinary; exceedingly.

Synonyms

exceedingly, extremely, remarkably, unbelievably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
incredibly

Used to emphasize extremely unbelievable or surprising facts or actions.

  • The view was incredibly beautiful
  • He solved the puzzle incredibly fast
extremely

Commonly used in everyday conversation to indicate a very high degree of something.

  • It is extremely hot today
  • She is extremely talented in music
exceedingly

Often used in formal or written language to stress an extraordinary degree or extent.

  • The project was exceedingly complex
  • She was exceedingly kind to everyone
remarkably

Used to highlight something that is surprisingly unusual or worthy of attention.

  • He looks remarkably young for his age
  • The weather improved remarkably overnight
unbelievably

Employed to express something that is so surprising it is hard to believe, often with a tone of exaggeration.

  • The price of the car was unbelievably low
  • She was unbelievably fast in the race

Examples of usage

  • He was incredibly talented at playing the piano.
  • She ran incredibly fast in the race.
  • The view from the top of the mountain was incredibly beautiful.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The word is frequently used in movies and music to emphasize extraordinary events or accomplishments.
  • It’s often used in superlative phrases like 'incredibly talented' or 'incredibly successful' to highlight exceptional qualities.
  • In celebrity interviews, people often say they had an 'incredible' experience when referring to memorable moments.

Psychology

  • Incredible experiences can create lasting memories, often tied to heightened emotions or significant life events.
  • People are more likely to recall positively incredible events due to a phenomenon called the 'peak-end rule', where emotional peaks and endings impact memory.
  • Experiencing something incredible can boost happiness and satisfaction by creating a sense of awe.

Literature

  • Incredible scenarios often feature in fantasy genres, where authors push the boundaries of reality.
  • Classic literature uses the word to describe characters' feats or extraordinary qualities, evoking admiration in readers.
  • Poets may utilize the term to convey surreal moments that evoke wonder or surprise.

Origin of 'incredibly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'incredibilis', which means 'unbelievable'.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 1500s, originally referring to things that were hard to believe.
  • Over time, the word evolved to also describe things that are extraordinary or astonishing.

The word 'incredibly' originates from the Middle English word 'incredibil', which came from the Latin word 'incredibilis', meaning 'not to be believed'. The suffix '-ly' was added in the 16th century to form the adverb 'incredibly'. Over time, the word has evolved to emphasize the extreme or extraordinary nature of something.


See also: incredibility.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,081, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.