Disbelief vs. Disbelieve — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 6, 2024
Disbelief is a noun representing a state of not accepting something as true, while disbelieve is a verb that describes the action of rejecting something as untrue.
Difference Between Disbelief and Disbelieve
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Disbelief is a noun that refers to the mental state where one does not accept a fact or a piece of information as true. On the other hand, disbelieve is a verb that denotes the action of not believing, actively rejecting the truth or validity of an idea or statement.
Disbelief often involves a persistent feeling or attitude towards a particular claim or notion. Whereas, disbelieve focuses more on the process or act of rejecting a claim or notion.
In terms of usage, disbelief is used to express the condition or feeling of skepticism. On the other hand, disbelieve is used as an action, often directing the subject's response to specific information or claims.
Disbelief can be a general state without a direct object, implying a broad skepticism. Conversely, disbelieve typically requires a direct object, specifying what is not believed.
The intensity can also differ; disbelief might imply a deep-seated or shocked non-acceptance, often used in more dramatic or profound contexts. On the other hand, disbelieve might simply indicate a refusal to accept something without the emotional depth.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Verb
Definition
The state of not accepting something as true.
To reject something as untrue or invalid.
Usage
Used as a state or condition.
Used as an action, often needs a direct object.
Example Context
Reflects a broader skepticism or reaction.
Active refusal or rejection of a fact.
Emotional Connotation
Can imply shock or profound skepticism.
Generally less emotional, more of a decision.
Compare with Definitions
Disbelief
A feeling of skepticism about something.
His story was met with disbelief by the audience.
Disbelieve
To reject the truth or validity of something.
He would disbelieve anything that came from an unreliable source.
Disbelief
A mental state of doubt.
He shook his head in disbelief at the absurdity of the claim.
Disbelieve
To hold no confidence in the truth of something.
She would disbelieve his excuses, knowing his history.
Disbelief
Emotional reaction to something unbelievable.
Disbelief washed over her as she read the letter.
Disbelieve
Act of denying the authenticity of a claim.
To disbelieve in such tales is common among skeptics.
Disbelief
The state of being unable to believe something.
In disbelief, she stared at the unbelievable scene in front of her.
Disbelieve
To refuse to accept as true or real.
She chose to disbelieve the rumors circulating in the office.
Disbelief
The refusal to accept something as true.
Her disbelief at the news was evident in her expression.
Disbelieve
To show skepticism towards a statement or fact.
They disbelieve all the claims he made in the report.
Disbelief
Disbelief (sometimes decapitalized to "disbelief") is a German heavy metal band from Hesse. Their music is rooted in death metal, but has melancholic tendencies.
Disbelieve
To refuse to believe or accept; reject
There is no reason to disbelieve his story.
Disbelief
Refusal or reluctance to believe.
Disbelieve
To withhold or reject belief.
Disbelief
Unpreparedness, unwillingness, or inability to believe that something is the case.
She cried out in disbelief on hearing that terrorists had crashed an airplane into the World Trade Center in New York City.
Disbelieve
To not believe; to exercise disbelief.
If you disbelieve such people, then keep disbelieving them for as long as you live or want.
Disbelief
Astonishment.
I stared in disbelief at the Grand Canyon.
Disbelieve
To actively deny (a statement, opinion or perception).
He chose to disbelieve the bad news as inconceivable.
Disbelief
The loss or abandonment of a belief; cessation of belief.
Disbelieve
To cease to believe.
Disbelief
The act of disbelieving;; a state of the mind in which one is fully persuaded that an opinion, assertion, or doctrine is not true; refusal of assent, credit, or credence; denial of belief.
Our belief or disbelief of a thing does not alter the nature of the thing.
No sadder proof can be given by a man of his own littleness that disbelief in great men.
Disbelieve
Not to believe; to refuse belief or credence to; to hold not to be true or actual.
Assertions for which there is abundant positive evidence are often disbelieved, on account of what is called their improbability or impossibility.
Disbelief
Doubt about the truth of something
Disbelieve
Reject as false; refuse to accept
Disbelief
A rejection of belief
Common Curiosities
What is the primary difference between disbelief and disbelieve?
Disbelief is a noun denoting a state of not believing, while disbelieve is a verb indicating the action of rejecting something as true.
Can disbelief exist without disbelieving?
Yes, disbelief can be a passive state of skepticism without the active decision to disbelieve.
What causes someone to disbelieve something?
Factors like conflicting information, previous knowledge, or lack of trust can lead someone to disbelieve.
Is it possible to disbelieve without disbelief?
Technically, one could disbelieve a specific claim without a general state of disbelief, focusing solely on that claim.
How do you use disbelieve in a sentence?
"They disbelieve the theory despite the evidence presented."
Can disbelief be measured or quantified?
Disbelief is subjective and typically cannot be quantified; it's more about intensity of feeling.
Is disbelieve always a conscious choice?
Yes, disbelieve typically involves a conscious decision to reject or not accept something as true.
How does one express disbelief in a sentence?
"Her expression of disbelief was evident when she heard the unbelievable news."
Can disbelief be a temporary state?
Yes, disbelief can be temporary as new information or understanding might change one's perspective.
What are the synonyms for disbelieve?
Reject, discredit, doubt.
Does disbelief require a direct object?
No, disbelief does not usually require a direct object and can be used more generally.
Does disbelieve require a direct object?
Yes, disbelieve usually requires a direct object specifying what is not believed.
What are the synonyms for disbelief?
Skepticism, incredulity, doubt.
Which is more common in everyday language, disbelief or disbelieve?
Disbelief is more commonly used as it refers to a broader state or feeling.
In what types of literature are disbelief and disbelieve commonly found?
Disbelief is often found in narratives involving surprise or unexpected events; disbelieve appears in argumentative or critical texts.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Boulder vs. Stone
Next Comparison
Receiver vs. RecipientAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
