disbelief
/ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌdis-bə-ˈlēf/ (ame, mw)
disbelief — noun
1. the strong feeling that you cannot accept something as real or true because it s
the strong feeling that you cannot accept something as real or true because it seems too surprising, shocking, or unexpected — for example, hearing news that appears impossible, or seeing something that makes no sense at first
Saira stared at the overturned car in disbelief, unable to process what she saw.
in disbelief (prepositional phrase showing manner)
The audience watched in disbelief as Minh calmly walked off the stage mid-performance.
in disbelief + as-clause for simultaneous action
Yasmin shook her head in disbelief when the umpire made the call.
Aaron's face showed pure disbelief when the doctor delivered the unexpected news.
Gabriela's disbelief turned to anger as her sister explained the risky travel plan.
The mayor's claims about the new factory were met with disbelief by local residents.
- incredulity
stronger and more formal than disbelief; implies a firm refusal to accept something despite evidence
- skepticism
less intense; suggests a questioning attitude or a tendency to doubt, not necessarily tied to shock
- doubt
broader and milder; covers any lack of certainty without the element of surprise or shock
文法句型
in + disbelief
with + disbelief
a look/expression of disbelief
was met with disbelief
用法筆記
Disbelief is almost always uncountable and is rarely used with an article ("a disbelief"). It appears most commonly in prepositional phrases such as "in disbelief" and "with disbelief," often paired with verbs of looking or reacting (stare, shake one's head, watch, gasp). When disbelief is modified by adjectives, the typical choices are pure, utter, sheer, or complete, which intensify the feeling of shock. This word is associated with surprising or shocking situations rather than with everyday uncertainty; for ordinary doubt, use doubt or skepticism.