incredible
Definitions
So unlikely or extreme that it is hard to believe
难以置信的，不可信的
Extraordinarily good or impressive; amazing
极好的，惊人的，了不起的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedin- (not) + cred (believe) + -ible (able to be) = "not able to be believed." But the word drifted from literal disbelief to admiration: something so astonishing you can hardly believe it became simply 'wonderful.' Today 'an incredible meal' is praise, not doubt.
Root cred still carries 12 more wordsWhy It Means This
The shift from 'unbelievable' to 'amazing' is hyperbole that hardened into a literal meaning — like 'awesome' or 'terrific.' We exaggerate that something is beyond belief, and over time the exaggeration becomes the everyday sense.
Common Collocations
- 1.absolutely incredible绝对令人难以置信
- 2.truly incredible真的令人难以置信
- 3.an incredible amount数量惊人
Example Sentences
- 1.
The view from the summit was absolutely incredible.
- 2.
He told an incredible story of survival at sea.
Easily Confused
incredible vs incredulous — Both come from cred, but incredible describes the thing (it can't be believed): an incredible story. incredulous describes the person (who refuses to believe): an incredulous look. Rule of thumb: facts are incredible, people are incredulous.