Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈkrɛdjʊləs/

Definitions

• Adjective: (of a person or their manner) unwilling or unable to believe something; showing disbelief.
• Adjective: (of a statement or claim) not believable; doubtful.

Usage Examples

• She gave an incredulous look when she heard the unbelievable news.
• His incredulous reaction showed that he found the explanation hard to accept.
• They were incredulous at the claim that the event had been a hoax.

Etymology

From Latin "incredulus," meaning "not believing," combining "in-" (not) and "credulus" (believing). The word first appeared in English in the early 17th century.

Synonyms

• Disbelieving
• Suspicious
• Doubtful
• Skeptical
• Unbelieving
• Surprised

Antonyms

• Believing
• Trusting
• Confident
• Faithful
• Accepting

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "incredulous" may vary in different English-speaking regions. In American English, it is often pronounced with a stronger emphasis on the first syllable, while in British English, the emphasis is more evenly distributed across the word.

Historical Usage

The term "incredulous" has been used since the early 17th century to describe a person who refuses to believe something. Over time, it became a common adjective for expressing disbelief or skepticism in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to literary works.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of "incredulity" is tied to reactions to the extraordinary or the impossible. A person who is "incredulous" might be responding to a claim, event, or phenomenon that challenges their understanding of reality, often with surprise or skepticism.

More Information

The word "incredulous" reflects a key aspect of human interaction—our capacity to doubt and question information that does not fit into our existing beliefs or experiences. It is an important term for describing reactions to stories, claims, and events that seem too extraordinary to be believed. Whether in literature, media, or daily life, "incredulous" serves as a powerful descriptor for disbelief in the face of the unbelievable.