Incredulous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คจ
incredulous
[ษชnหkrษdjสlษs ]
Definitions
feeling or showing disbelief
Having or showing a lack of belief in something or someone. Skeptical or doubtful.
Synonyms
disbelieving, doubtful, skeptical.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incredulous |
This word is often used when someone is finding it hard to believe something that seems impossible or very surprising. It is stronger than 'disbelieving' and often carries an emotional reaction.
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| skeptical |
This word is appropriate when someone generally questions or doubts accepted beliefs and claims. It can have a negative connotation if it suggests someone is hard to convince even with solid evidence.
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| doubtful |
Use this word when someone is uncertain about the truth of something or unsure about an outcome. It implies hesitation or suspicion.
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| disbelieving |
This term is used when someone simply does not believe something is true. It is neutral and straightforward.
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Examples of usage
- He gave me an incredulous look when I told him the news.
- She was incredulous that he had actually won the competition.
unwilling or unable to believe something
Unable or unwilling to believe something. Not able to accept that something is true or real.
Synonyms
distrustful, suspicious, unbelieving.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| incredulous |
Use this word when someone finds something hard to believe or is shocked by what they hear or see.
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| unbelieving |
This word is often used when someone outright denies or refuses to accept a statement, idea, or fact. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying stubbornness or closed-mindedness.
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| distrustful |
This word is best used when someone lacks trust in a person or situation due to past experiences or a natural tendency to be wary.
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| suspicious |
This word is appropriate when someone suspects that something is wrong or when they think someone might be doing something bad or dishonest.
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Examples of usage
- She was incredulous that he had forgotten her birthday.
- The teacher was incredulous at the student's excuse for not doing the homework.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many characters in classic novels, like in Shakespeare's plays, often display incredulous reactions to shocking events.
- In 'The Great Gatsby', the protagonist shows incredulous disbelief at the lifestyles of the wealthy, illustrating the theme of social disparity.
- In modern literature, authors use incredulous characters to reflect society's skepticism about various issues, from politics to science.
Psychology
- Feeling incredulous can be a protective mechanism that helps individuals question unlikely claims or events.
- Psychological studies show that incredulity can lead to critical thinking, prompting people to seek out evidence before accepting new ideas.
- The emotion stabilizes our beliefs, prompting us to reevaluate information that contradicts our existing perceptions.
Pop Culture
- Characters in movies often express incredulity through exaggerated facial expressions and dialogue, making it a humorous moment.
- Popular memes frequently utilize incredulous reactions to convey disbelief, illustrating how this feeling resonates in everyday life.
- Television shows often showcase incredulous moments during unexpected plot twists, keeping audiences engaged and surprised.
Communication
- Incredulity can be conveyed through tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions, signaling doubt or surprise in conversations.
- People may react incredulously when they hear impossible stories or outrageous claims, prompting further discussion.
- Knowing how to read incredulity in others can improve interpersonal communication and help navigate complex discussions.
Origin of 'incredulous'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Latin word 'incredulus', which means 'not believing'.
- It combines the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') with 'credulous' (meaning 'believing too easily').
- The concept of being incredulous has roots in discussions of belief and trust throughout history.
The word 'incredulous' originated in the early 16th century from the Latin word 'incredulus', which means 'unbelieving'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in English. It has been used in literature and everyday language to describe a sense of disbelief or skepticism towards something.