Definition

Not accepting something as true or real; having doubts about something.

Example

She gave him an unbelieving look when he told her the news.

Conversation

Did you hear about the magician's trick?

Yeah, I saw it online, but I was unbelieving at first.

Right? It looked so real that I couldn't trust my eyes.

Exactly! I had to watch it a few times to believe it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unbelieving → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "believe" (from Old English "beliefan", meaning to have faith or trust). The word "unbelieving" means not having faith or trust in something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('un-') having 'faith' ('believe') — that's why unbelieving means not having faith.

Visually Confused Words