unbelieving
/'ʌnbi'li:viɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
A scientist gives an unbelieving look at the claim of a perpetual motion machine.
Definition
- Adjective:
- Skeptical or doubting, especially regarding religious or spiritual matters: Characterized by an attitude of doubt or denial toward accepted beliefs, particularly those of a religious nature.
- Atheistic or agnostic: Pertaining to a stance that rejects belief in gods or the supernatural.
- Requiring proof or evidence: Inclined to question or disbelieve claims until they are substantiated.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The scientist maintained an unbelieving attitude toward claims of the paranormal.
- He gave an unbelieving laugh when he heard the outlandish story.
- The philosopher's unbelieving worldview was based on material evidence alone.
Advanced Usage
- "unbelieving of": Expressing doubt about a specific claim or person.
- She was unbelieving of his promises, given his past record.
- Used to describe a general state of skepticism or a specific philosophical/religious position.
- The debate was between believing and unbelieving scholars.
Variants and Related Words
- Unbelief (n): The state or quality of not believing, especially in religious doctrines.
- His unbelief was a source of tension with his family.
- Unbeliever (n): A person who does not believe, especially in a particular religion or idea.
- The sermon was aimed at converting unbelievers.
- Disbelieving (adj): Often used similarly to express active doubt or refusal to believe a specific fact. (Note: "disbelieving" can be more immediate, while "unbelieving" can describe a more settled state of mind or worldview.)
Synonyms
- Skeptical: Having doubts or reservations.
- Atheistic: Disbelieving or lacking belief in the existence of God or gods.
- Agnostic: Believing that the existence of God or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable.
- Incredulous: Unwilling or unable to believe something.
Antonyms
- Believing: Accepting something as true, especially religious faith.
- Credulous: Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
- Faithful: Loyal and steadfast in belief.
Related Phrases
- An unbelieving stare: A look that clearly shows doubt or skepticism.
- She met his extravagant claim with an unbelieving stare.
- To remain unbelieving: To continue to hold a position of doubt.
- Despite the evidence presented, the jury remained unbelieving.
A scientist gives an unbelieving look at the claim of a perpetual motion machine.
Adjective
- denying or questioning the tenets of especially a religion
- a skeptical approach to the nature of miracles
- holding that only material phenomena can be known and knowledge of spiritual matters or ultimate causes is impossible
- rejecting any belief in gods