Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rejection of belief; the state or quality of not believing, especially in religious doctrines or tenets. It refers to the absence or refusal of belief, often in a specific context such as religion or a particular claim.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His unbelief in the supernatural made him skeptical of the ghost stories.
  • The sermon was intended to address the doubts and unbelief among the congregation.

Advanced Usage

• "Stubborn unbelief": A phrase describing a firm, often obstinate refusal to believe.

  • Despite the overwhelming evidence, his stubborn unbelief remained unchanged.

• "To confront one's unbelief": To directly face or address one's own lack of belief.

  • The spiritual retreat was a journey to confront her unbelief and seek answers.

Variants and Related Words

• Disbelief (n): Refusal or inability to believe that something is true or real. While similar, "disbelief" often implies a reaction to a specific event or fact, whereas "unbelief" can denote a more general state, particularly regarding faith.
  • She stared in disbelief at the empty safe.
• Nonbelief (n): A more neutral term for the absence of belief.
• Unbeliever (n): A person who does not believe, especially in a particular religion.
  • The missionary aimed to convert the unbelievers.

Synonyms

• Incredulity: A state of unwillingness or inability to believe something.
• Skepticism: An attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity.
• Atheism (in a specific religious context): The disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods.

Antonyms

• Belief: An acceptance that something exists or is true, especially without proof.
• Faith: Complete trust or confidence in someone or something, often in a religious context.
• Credence: Belief in or acceptance of something as true.

Noun

1. a rejection of belief