disbelieve

Everyday

1. To not believe that someone or something is true; to refuse to believe. tree →
2. To not have faith in something, especially in God (formal, older use). tree →

In the lessons

In stories: a character may disbelieve a strange tale or warning, often wrongly. In the Bible: Thomas disbelieved that Jesus had risen until he saw him (that's why he is called «Doubting Thomas»). In everyday life: people disbelieve tall stories. Phrases: «disbelieve someone», «disbelieve the story».

Examples

• The villagers disbelieved the boy who cried wolf. tree →
• Thomas disbelieved the news until he saw Jesus himself. tree →
• I have no reason to disbelieve you. tree →
• The teacher disbelieved my excuse about the dog eating my homework. tree →
• Many people disbelieved the explorer's tales. tree →
• She was disbelieved at first, but the evidence proved her right. tree →
• “Then do you disbelieve what I say, and think that I am telling you a falsehood?” tree →

Note

Regular verb. Noun: «disbelief» («in disbelief» = not able to believe it). More common in speech: «not believe». Spelling: «ie» after b-e-l (i before e except after c).