disbelief

Everyday

1. The feeling of not believing that something is true or real, often because it is surprising or shocking. tree →
2. Lack of belief, for example in God. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, characters stare «in disbelief» when something amazing or terrible happens. In reading, «suspend disbelief» means to accept a story's magic while you read. Phrases: in disbelief, shake your head in disbelief.

Examples

• She stared in disbelief at her test score. tree →
• He shook his head in disbelief. tree →
• The crowd gasped in disbelief. tree →
• To enjoy fantasy books, you suspend disbelief. tree →
• There was disbelief when the old tree fell. tree →
• Thomas showed disbelief until he saw Jesus, the Bible says. tree →

Note

Uncountable. «Dis-» means not. Different from «unbelief», which is used more for religious lack of faith.