incredulous
/in'kredjuləs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving: Describes a state of being unwilling or unable to believe something, often showing skepticism or doubt.
Usage
The adjective "incredulous" is used to describe a person's reaction or expression when they find something very hard to believe. It often precedes a noun (e.g., an incredulous look) or follows a linking verb like "was," "seemed," or "sounded."
Examples
- Adjective:
- She gave an incredulous laugh when she heard the outrageous story.
- The scientist was incredulous at the claims made without any evidence.
- "You expect me to believe that?" he asked, his voice incredulous.
Advanced Usage
- "incredulous of/about": Expressing disbelief directed at a specific claim or piece of information.
- The public remained incredulous about the politician's promises.
- "incredulous that...": Used to introduce a clause describing the fact or situation that is hard to believe.
- I am still incredulous that we managed to win the championship.
Variants and Related Words
- Incredulity (noun): The state of being unwilling or unable to believe something.
- His announcement was met with widespread incredulity.
- Incredulously (adverb): In a manner showing disbelief.
- She stared at him incredulously.
Synonyms
- Disbelieving: Refusing to accept something as true.
- Skeptical: Not easily convinced; having doubts.
- Dubious: Hesitating or doubting.
- Unconvinced: Not persuaded that something is true.
Antonyms
- Credulous: Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
- Gullible: Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
- Trusting: Showing or tending to have a belief in a person's honesty or sincerity.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Raise an incredulous eyebrow: To show doubt or skepticism through a facial expression.
- The judge raised an incredulous eyebrow at the defendant's excuse.
Adjective
- not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving