disbeliever
/'disbi'li:və/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who refuses to believe or accept something as true: A disbeliever is someone who withholds belief, particularly in a specific concept, claim, or doctrine.
- A skeptic, especially regarding religious faith: Often used to describe a person who does not believe in a divinity or religious tenets.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The preacher spoke to both believers and disbelievers in the crowd.
- As a scientific disbeliever in the theory, she demanded more evidence.
- He was labeled a disbeliever for his constant questioning of the ancient legend.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- The term often carries a formal or slightly literary tone and is frequently used in religious, philosophical, or ideological contexts to contrast with "believer."
- It can imply a more active or stubborn refusal to believe, rather than simple ignorance or lack of knowledge.
- "To convince a disbeliever": To persuade someone who is actively skeptical.
- The data was solid enough to convince even the most stubborn disbeliever.
Variants and Related Words
- Disbelief (n): The feeling or state of not believing.
- She stared in disbelief at the unexpected news.
- Disbelieve (v): To refuse or be unable to believe.
- I disbelieve his account of the events.
Synonyms
- Skeptic: A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
- Unbeliever: A person who does not believe, especially in a particular religious faith. (Note: Often used interchangeably with "disbeliever," though "unbeliever" is more exclusively religious.)
- Doubter: A person who feels uncertain about something.
- Nonbeliever: A person who lacks belief, especially in a specific religion.
Antonyms
- Believer: A person who believes in a particular idea, faith, or system.
- Convert: A person who has been persuaded to change their beliefs.
- Devotee: A person who is very interested in and enthusiastic about someone or something; a strong believer.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Preaching to the disbelievers: Trying to persuade those who are fundamentally opposed or skeptical, often seen as a futile effort.
- Arguing about politics with that group is like preaching to the disbelievers.
Noun
- someone who refuses to believe (as in a divinity)