incredulity

American  

[in-kri-doo-li-tee, -dyoo-] / ˌɪn krɪˈdu lɪ ti, -ˈdyu- /

noun

1. the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.

   Synonyms:

   doubt, skepticism, disbelief

   Antonyms:

   faith

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incredulity British  

/ ˌɪnkrɪˈdjuːlɪtɪ /

noun

1. lack of belief; scepticism

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Etymology

Origin of incredulity

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incredulite, from Latin incrēdulitās; incredulous, -ity

Example Sentences

“Magic? You can’t really—” said Christopher, incredulity rising in his voice.

From Literature

Ryan Tsui, whose brother and niece died in the sinking, previously said he followed the case with "incredulity" as he said witnesses dodged responsibility.

From Barron's

She “renounced her philosophical incredulity in the face of death” and expressed “full confidence in the afterlife in her last writings.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Today, your first impression is awe at one of the great spaces of the world—awe but also incredulity that you see no trace of the fire.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tsui said he followed the inquest with "incredulity" as one witness after another dodged responsibility for the missing watertight door, a fault traced back to the ship's origin at a local shipyard.

From Barron's

Related Words

• amazement
• skepticism