Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈkrɛdɪbəl/

Definitions

• Adjective: Impossible to believe; extraordinary in a way that causes disbelief.
• Adjective: So impressive or astonishing that it defies belief.
• Adjective: Beyond what is ordinary or expected; remarkable.

Usage Examples

• The magician’s incredible tricks amazed everyone in the audience.
• It was an incredible achievement to climb the highest mountain in the world.
• The team's incredible effort led them to victory against all odds.

Etymology

From Latin "incredibilis," meaning "unbelievable" or "impossible to believe." It combines "in-" (not) and "credibilis" (believable), meaning "not believable."

Synonyms

• Unbelievable
• Amazing
• Extraordinary
• Marvelous
• Remarkable
• Fantastic
• Unthinkable
• Astounding

Antonyms

• Believable
• Ordinary
• Commonplace
• Expected
• Unremarkable
• Unimpressive

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "incredible" is pronounced with slight variations across regions. In American English, it is often pronounced with a strong emphasis on the second syllable (/ɪnˈkrɛdɪbəl/), while in British English, the pronunciation may be slightly more clipped or formal in some regions. In non-native English speakers, the pronunciation may vary due to regional accents and phonetic differences.

Historical Usage

The word "incredible" first appeared in English around the 16th century, derived from Latin "incredibilis" (unbelievable). Over time, its use expanded from religious and philosophical contexts to describe extraordinary events or feats that defy the limits of possibility or belief.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of "incredible" is often associated with extraordinary feats or experiences that challenge the limits of human understanding. In the context of modern entertainment, "incredible" is frequently used to describe awe-inspiring performances, discoveries, or achievements in sports, technology, and the arts.

More Information

The word "incredible" is widely used to express amazement or admiration for something that is beyond ordinary expectations. It can be applied to a wide range of situations, from describing a miraculous event to acknowledging someone’s exceptional skill or talent. "Incredible" is commonly used both in everyday language and in more formal contexts such as journalism, literature, and academic discussions.