“Incredible” and “incredulous” are two words that are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. However, they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. This lesson will define each term and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Incredible
Definition:
“Incredible” means something that is hard to believe, extraordinary, or unbelievable. It is often used to describe something that is so remarkable or extraordinary that it defies belief.
Examples of use:
“Ed’s quick explanation of the car accident is simply incredible, as it seems impossible that it happened the way he described.”
“The view from the mountaintop was absolutely incredible, with breathtaking scenery stretching for miles.”
“The athlete’s incredible performance at the Olympics earned her multiple gold medals.”
Incredulous
Definition:
“Incredulous” means not believing or being skeptical. It is used to describe a person’s reaction when they are unable to believe something or are doubtful about it.
Examples of use:
“Rob’s story of flying saucers received a few incredulous stares from the audience, as they found it hard to believe.”
“She was incredulous when she heard that her shy friend had won the singing competition.”
“The jury was incredulous upon hearing the defendant’s bizarre explanation for his actions.”
“Incredible” is used to describe something that is hard to believe due to its extraordinary nature, while “incredulous” describes a person’s reaction when they are skeptical or unable to believe something. Understanding the difference between these two words ensures accurate and effective communication.
