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hesitation,mistrust,questioning,unbelief,uncertainty

eb68db_002394372e544af38a0d903576997c27.mp3

skepticism, belief, trust, credulity

cynicism,doubt,incredulity,perplexity,skepticism,suspicion

TOEFL 3, Rejection and Renunciation, Doubt and Skepticism

disbelief

IPA

How to pronounce disbelief (audio)

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Dictionary definition of disbelief

A state of skepticism, doubt, or incredulity towards something that is difficult to accept or comprehend.
"She shook her head in disbelief as she read the shocking news article."

Detailed meaning of disbelief

It represents a mental or emotional reaction characterized by a lack of belief or acceptance of a particular idea, statement, or event. 'Disbelief' often arises when faced with information or experiences that challenge one's existing beliefs, expectations, or understanding of the world. It encompasses a sense of uncertainty, skepticism, or resistance towards accepting something as true or real. 'Disbelief' can manifest in various forms, ranging from mild skepticism to complete rejection or denial. It signifies a cognitive and emotional response that questions or rejects the validity or truthfulness of what is presented. 'Disbelief' reflects a state of being unconvinced or finding something difficult to accept due to a lack of evidence, logical reasoning, or personal experience.

Example sentences containing disbelief

1. She stared at the evidence in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she was seeing.
2. His eyes widened in disbelief as he heard the surprising news.
3. The audience erupted in disbelief when the magician made the elephant disappear.
4. The professor shook his head in disbelief at the student's outrageous claim.
5. The disbelief on her face was evident when she won the lottery.
6. He responded with a mixture of disbelief and laughter to the ridiculous suggestion.

History and etymology of disbelief

The noun 'disbelief' is composed of the prefix 'dis-' and the noun 'belief.' The prefix 'dis-' comes from Old French and signifies negation or reversal, while 'belief' stems from the Middle English word 'beleve,' which is rooted in the Old English 'geleafa,' meaning 'faith' or 'trust.' In its etymology, 'disbelief' conveys the idea of negating or reversing one's faith or trust in something. It represents a state of skepticism, doubt, or incredulity towards something that is difficult to accept or comprehend. The term underscores the contrast between accepting something as true, which is belief, and the refusal or reluctance to accept it, which is disbelief, highlighting the complex nature of human cognition and the questioning of accepted truths.

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Further usage examples of disbelief

1. The team celebrated their victory with a mixture of joy and disbelief.
2. The witness's testimony left the jury in disbelief, casting doubt on the defendant's guilt.
3. The movie's twist ending left the audience in complete disbelief.
4. She expressed her disbelief at the outrageous behavior of her favorite celebrity.
5. The politician's blatant lies were met with disbelief and skepticism from the public.
6. His disbelief turned into astonishment when he discovered the hidden treasure.
7. The athlete's incredible performance left the commentators in disbelief.
8. There was an air of disbelief in the room as the suspect confessed to the crime.
9. The news of his sudden death was met with shock and disbelief by his friends and family.
10. The teacher's disbelief was evident when the usually well-behaved student misbehaved in class.
11. The scientist's groundbreaking discovery was initially met with disbelief by the scientific community.
12. The protagonist's incredible journey was met with disbelief by those who doubted his abilities.
13. The witness recounted the event with a sense of disbelief, still trying to process what had happened.
14. The writer's work was initially met with disbelief, as it challenged conventional wisdom.

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