disbelief

disbelief — noun

1. the strong feeling that you cannot accept something as real or true because it s

1.nounB2
Definition

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

Example

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

Common collocations
  • in disbelief
  • with disbelief
  • sheer disbelief
  • utter disbelief
  • pure disbelief
  • complete disbelief
  • stare in disbelief
  • shake one's head in disbelief
  • watch in disbelief
  • gasp in disbelief
  • express disbelief
  • met with disbelief
  • a look of disbelief
  • an expression of disbelief
Synonyms
  • 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

Antonyms
  • belief

    the state of accepting something as true; the direct opposite of disbelief

  • faith

    implies strong trust or confidence, often without requiring proof

Grammar Patterns

in + disbelief

with + disbelief

a look/expression of disbelief

was met with disbelief

Usage Note

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.

Common Mistakes

I have a disbelief about his explanation.
I find his explanation hard to believe.
disbelief describes a state of shock or stunned rejection, not ordinary doubt. Use doubt or skepticism for everyday uncertainty.
There was a strong disbelief among the students.
There was strong disbelief among the students.
disbelief is uncountable. Do not use the indefinite article a/an before it.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Disbelief, incredulity, skepticism, and doubt all involve not believing something, but they differ in intensity and context. Disbelief is the most emotional: it carries a sense of shock or surprise, as when someone hears impossible news. Incredulity is stronger and more formal — it implies a firm refusal to accept what is being said, often with an element of scorn. Skepticism is cooler and more intellectual; a skeptic questions claims habitually and demands evidence before believing. Doubt is the broadest and mildest term, covering any lack of certainty from mild hesitation to strong uncertainty. For example: "She stared at the empty bank account in disbelief" (stunned shock), "He raised an eyebrow with incredulity" (refusing to accept), "Voters met the promise with skepticism" (questioning), and "I have doubts about the plan" (uncertainty).

incredulityskepticismdoubt ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • in disbelief
  • with disbelief
  • a look of disbelief
  • an expression of disbelief
  • a sense of disbelief
  • a mixture of shock and disbelief

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld EnglishEnglish

Disbelief was formed in English by combining the Latin prefix dis- (meaning 'not' or 'opposite of') with the word belief. The core root of belief goes back through Old English gelēafa and ultimately to the Latin verb credere ('to believe, trust, entrust'). The prefix dis- turns the meaning to its opposite: the state of not believing. The word has been in use in English since the 1500s.