adjective
incredulous
in-KREJ-uh-luhs/ɪnˈkredʒələs/
Unwilling or unable to believe something.
The incredulous adult doubts that the ordinary pebble is a valuable jewel.
Etymology
The prefix reverses the base’s readiness to believe, giving “unbelieving.” Incredulous describes a person’s disbelieving attitude or response, rather than how believable something itself is.
In context
Hippius emphatically did not remember, and he did not believe the story. Irritation at the mad ravishment of his pillbox rendered him incredulous
More examples
- He gives me an incredulous stare when I announce my resignation.
- Even after seeing the results, the coach remains incredulous.
- “You walked all that way?” she asks in an incredulous voice.
Forms
incredulous
incredulity noun — The state of being unwilling or unable to believe.
incredulously adverb — In a way that shows disbelief.
Similar words
- skeptical
- Suggests doubt and a desire for evidence before accepting something.
- doubtful
- Shows uncertainty rather than the stronger disbelief of being incredulous.
- disbelieving
- Directly describes not believing, without necessarily suggesting surprise.