Disbelief is the feeling or state of not accepting something as true or real. It can be calm doubt or a shocked reaction to surprising news.
From 'dis-' meaning 'not' and 'belief' from Old English 'geleafa' meaning 'faith, trust'. The word captures both simple lack of belief and active refusal to believe.
Disbelief isn’t always stubbornness; sometimes it’s your brain’s way of saying, 'This doesn’t fit my world yet.' That tiny pause of disbelief can protect you from lies—but also delay you from accepting new truths.
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