Disbelieve Meaning in English
word
dɪsbəˈɫiv
diss-buh-LEEV
dˌɪsbɪlˈiːv
diss-bil-EEV
Definition
To think that something is not true or to refuse to accept it as true.
Usage & Nuances
'Disbelieve' is formal and less common than 'not believe'; it suggests skepticism or a strong refusal to accept something as true. Often used in writing, news, or formal discussions. Collocates with 'disbelieve a story/rumor/testimony.' Not usually used about people ('I disbelieve him' sounds stiff—use 'I don't believe him').
Spanish: no creer - desconfiarPortuguese (BR): não acreditar - duvidarPortuguese (PT): não acreditar - duvidarChinese (Simplified): 不相信 - 怀疑Chinese (Traditional): 不相信 - 懷疑Hindi: विश्वास नहीं करना - अविश्वास करनाArabic: لا يصدق - يشكBengali: অবিশ্বাস করাRussian: не верить - сомневатьсяJapanese: 信じないVietnamese: không tinKorean: 믿지 않다 - 신뢰하지 않다Turkish: inanmamakUrdu: یقین نہ کرناIndonesian: tidak percaya
Example Sentences
Some people disbelieve the news they read.
basic
I disbelieve his story about the missing money.
basic
It is hard to disbelieve such clear evidence.
basic
He laughed as if to disbelieve every word I said.
natural
You don't have to disbelieve everything just because you're suspicious.
natural
The jury seemed to disbelieve the witness's alibi.
natural