What does incredulity mean?
Incredulity means a strong sense of disbelief, particularly when a statement, event, or explanation seems astonishing, unlikely, or contrary to accepted knowledge. It describes both the mental reaction and the atmosphere in which that reaction occurs: a room may fall silent in incredulity, or a person may meet an extraordinary claim with open incredulity. The word is more formal than everyday alternatives such as “disbelief” and more emotionally charged than “skepticism,” often implying that something has seemed so unusual that it is difficult to accept. It is normally used as an uncountable noun, as in phrases such as “express incredulity” and “stare in incredulity.” Because it highlights the act of doubting a claim rather than merely lacking information, incredulity is particularly useful when describing reactions to surprising testimony, discoveries, explanations, or allegations.
nounIncredulity is the state of being unable or unwilling to believe something, especially because it seems surprising, improbable, or contrary to what one knows. It often conveys a reaction of astonishment or skeptical disbelief rather than merely a lack of knowledge.
- A state of disbelief or skepticism, especially in response to something surprising or unexpected.
- A feeling of astonishment combined with unwillingness to accept a statement or explanation.
"She stared at the account of the unusual discovery with open incredulity."
"There was widespread incredulity when the photographs were first presented as evidence."
"The judge listened to the witness's account without any sign of incredulity."
Incredulity is the word for that split second when a story is so surprising that your first reaction is: “That cannot be true.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does incredulity come from?
Incredulity comes from Latin incredulitas, meaning disbelief or unwillingness to accept what is said. The Latin word is formed from incredulus, “incredulous” or “unbelieving,” ultimately based on in- and credere, “to believe.” English borrowed the word through French, and it has retained its association with a particularly emphatic rejection of an apparently incredible claim.
How incredulity is actually used
Usually uncountable and formal in register. It is common in expressions such as “with incredulity” and “stare in incredulity.” The typical British pronunciation uses /djuː/, while the US pronunciation commonly uses /duː/.
Easily confused with incredulity
Incredulity is a noun meaning disbelief, while incredulous is an adjective describing a person who is unwilling to believe something.
Incredible is an adjective meaning extraordinary or difficult to believe, whereas incredulity names the state of doubting a claim.