Word
disbelief
Phoneticsdis·be·lief, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɪsbɪˈɫif/
UK/dˌɪsbɪlˈiːf/
Definitions
01shocked surprise
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the feeling that you cannot believe something because it is so surprising or shocking.
n. a state of astonishment or shock where the mind refuses to accept the reality of an event.
“She stared at the winning lottery ticket in total disbelief.”
“The crowd watched in stunned disbelief as the underdog team scored the winning goal in the final seconds of the match.”
Synonyms
02refusal to accept
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of not believing that something is true, or a lack of faith in an idea.
n. the mental rejection of a statement or doctrine; a lack of conviction regarding the truth of a claim.
“His disbelief in the new government policy was shared by many local business owners.”
“The scientist expressed his disbelief regarding the study's conclusions, citing a lack of rigorous peer-reviewed evidence.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Keatley added: "It's a real sense, I suppose initially of shock and absolutely of disbelief.” “But she called her mom to come and collect her …” Ashburn laughs in disbelief at what was her daily reality.” Etymology
From dis- + belief.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/disbelief