disbelieving
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪsˈbɪliːvɪŋ/
KK: /dɪsˈbɪlivɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Not willing to accept something as true; showing doubt or skepticism about something.
Example
She gave him a disbelieving look when he told her the unbelievable story.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new restaurant that opened downtown?
Yeah, but I’m a bit disbelieving about its claims of having the best pizza.
I thought the same until I tried it last week.
Really? Maybe I should give it a shot then!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
skeptical
incredulous
doubtful
Antonyms
believing
trusting
accepting
verb
Definition
To refuse to accept that something is true or real.
Example
She was disbelieving of the news he shared.
Tense Forms
Past: disbelieved
Past Participle: disbelieved
Conversation
I can't believe she won the competition, I'm still disbelieving about it.
Right? It seemed impossible!
I thought she would never take first place.
Root Explanation
Disbelieving → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or not) and "believe" (from Old English "beliefan", meaning to have faith or trust). The word "disbelieving" means not having faith or trust in something.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' believing something ('dis-') — that's why disbelieving means to not have faith or trust.
Visually Confused Words
believing
misbelievingly