incredulity

Everyday

1. Not being able to believe something; great surprise and disbelief. tree →
2. The look or feeling of someone who thinks «that can't be true!» tree →

In the lessons

In stories, characters react with incredulity to shocking news or amazing events; it shows on their face (eyes wide, mouth open). In science, healthy incredulity means checking strange claims. Phrases: in incredulity, stare in incredulity, a look of incredulity.

Examples

• She stared at the huge pumpkin in incredulity. tree →
• His face showed pure incredulity when he heard he had won. tree →
• The class listened with incredulity as the teacher said octopuses have three hearts. tree →
• «You did all your homework?» Mum asked with incredulity. tree →
• The news was met with incredulity. tree →
• «A whale is a mammal, not a fish?» he said with incredulity. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Adjective: «incredulous» (not believing); do not confuse with «incredible» (unbelievable, amazing). A person is incredulous; a story is incredible.