Incredulous Meaning and Definition
Incredulous
Pronunciation
/ɪŋˈkrɛdʒələs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A feeling or expression of disbelief, astonishment, or skepticism, often characterized by a sense of shock or incredulity.
Examples
1. “I was incredulous when I heard the news about the lottery winner.”
2. “Her incredulous expression said it all – she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.”
Synonyms
1. Astonished
2. Disbelieving
3. Skeptical
Antonyms
1. Believing
2. Convinced
3. Trusting
Additional Information
Incredulous is an adjective that describes a state of mind characterized by a strong sense of disbelief or skepticism. It can be used to express astonishment, shock, or even contempt. Incredulous can also imply a sense of doubt or uncertainty, often accompanied by a questioning or challenging attitude. When someone is incredulous, they may ask questions, seek clarification, or express their disbelief through verbal or non-verbal cues. Incredulous can be used in various contexts, including everyday conversations, written communication, or even in formal settings like business or academic environments. The word has been in use since the 15th century, and its meaning has evolved over time to encompass a range of emotions and attitudes. Incredulous is often used in combination with other words or phrases to convey a sense of surprise, shock, or skepticism. For example, “incredulous laughter” or “incredulous silence” can convey a sense of astonishment or disbelief. Incredulous can also be used to describe a person’s attitude or behavior, such as “incredulous about the news” or “incredulous of the claim.” Overall, incredulous is a versatile word that can be used to express a range of emotions and attitudes, from surprise and shock to skepticism and doubt.
In addition to its literal meaning, incredulous can also be used figuratively to describe a situation or circumstance that is hard to believe or accept. For example, “the incredulous situation” or “the incredulous outcome” can convey a sense of surprise or astonishment. Incredulous can also be used to describe a person’s reaction to a situation, such as “incredulous at the news” or “incredulous about the decision.” The word can also be used to express a sense of irony or sarcasm, such as “incredulous that anyone would believe that” or “incredulous at the absurdity of it all.”
Incredulous is a word that can be used in various contexts, including everyday conversations, written communication, or even in formal settings like business or academic environments. It can be used to express a range of emotions and attitudes, from surprise and shock to skepticism and doubt. The word has been in use since the 15th century, and its meaning has evolved over time to encompass a range of emotions and attitudes. Incredulous is a versatile word that can be used to convey a sense of surprise, shock, or skepticism, and it can be used in combination with other words or phrases to convey a range of emotions and attitudes.
Etymology
The word “incredulous” comes from the Latin “incredulus,” which means “unbelieving” or “disbelieving.” The Latin word is derived from “in-” (meaning “not”) and “credulus” (meaning “believing”). The word has been in use since the 15th century, and its meaning has evolved over time to encompass a range of emotions and attitudes.
Usage Notes
Incredulous can be used in various contexts, including everyday conversations, written communication, or even in formal settings like business or academic environments. It can be used to express a range of emotions and attitudes, from surprise and shock to skepticism and doubt. When using the word, consider the tone and context to convey the intended meaning. Incredulous can be used in combination with other words or phrases to convey a sense of surprise, shock, or skepticism.
Cultural References
Incredulous has been used in various cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example, in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the character Hermione Granger is often described as incredulous when faced with unexpected news or situations. In the film “The Matrix,” the character Morpheus is described as incredulous when he discovers the true nature of the world. In music, the word has been used in song titles and lyrics to convey a sense of surprise or skepticism.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “incredulous” include:
- “Incredulous laughter” – a loud, surprised laugh
- “Incredulous silence” – a shocked or stunned silence
- “Incredulous about the news” – shocked or surprised by the news
- “Incredulous of the claim” – skeptical or doubtful of the claim
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “incredulous” include:
- Incredulous expression
- Incredulous reaction
- Incredulous attitude
- Incredulous look
- Incredulous stare
Frequency of Use
The word “incredulous” is relatively common in modern language, although its usage can vary depending on the context and tone. It is often used in everyday conversations, written communication, or even in formal settings like business or academic environments.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings or variations of the word “incredulous” include:
- Incredules
- Incridulous
- Incredules
- Incridulles