disbelieving
disbelieving — verb
1. to choose not to accept what a person says or what information tells you, even t
to choose not to accept what a person says or what information tells you, even though there may be no clear proof that it is wrong — for example, disbelieving a witness's story or a politician's promise.
The jury disbelieved the witness's story about what happened on the night of the fire.
passive subject: institution (the jury) disbelieving testimony
Lara disbelieved the salesman's claims after she read the online reviews.
The committee disbelieved the report and demanded a second, more thorough investigation.
Élise disbelieved the rumour until a colleague showed her photographic evidence.
- doubt
softer — implies uncertainty rather than outright rejection
- question
implies actively challenging or seeking proof, not flat refusal to accept
- reject as untrue
more emphatic and explicit; less common in everyday speech
文法句型
disbelieve + noun phrase: a person, a claim, an account
用法筆記
Frequently occurs in formal, written, or legal contexts. In everyday conversation, the phrase 'didn't believe' is far more common and natural than 'disbelieved', which can sound stiff or overly literal.
常見錯誤
disbelieving — adjective
1. used to describe a look, tone of voice, or other expression that clearly shows y
used to describe a look, tone of voice, or other expression that clearly shows you think what someone says is not true or honest.
Chidi shot her a disbelieving look when she claimed she had run a marathon.
collocation: disbelieving + look
Anjali let out a disbelieving laugh when her colleague blamed the traffic again.
collocation: disbelieving + laugh
The manager wore a disbelieving expression after hearing the team's explanation.
Mayumi stared at the price tag with a disbelieving shake of her head.
Ziad gave his brother a disbelieving glance at the price mentioned for the used car.
- skeptical
more intellectual and neutral — implies a habit of questioning, not an emotional reaction
- incredulous
stronger — suggests surprise or shock that someone would say such a thing
- doubtful
softer — indicates uncertainty rather than outright rejection
文法句型
disbelieving + noun (look, laugh, expression, tone)
be + disbelieving
用法筆記
Typically modifies visible or audible expressions — look, stare, glance, laugh, tone, expression. Not usually applied directly to a person ('a disbelieving man' sounds unnatural); instead describe their reaction.