Diese Seite in deiner Sprache

English

فارسی

العربية

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #31 am häufigsten 9 Min. Lesezeit

incredible

Top 31

At the A1 level, you can use 'incredible' as a very strong version of 'good' or 'great.' Think of it as a word to use when you are very happy or surprised. For example, if you eat a very good pizza, you can say, 'This pizza is incredible!' It is a simple way to show you are excited. You don't need to worry about the 'difficult to believe' part yet. Just use it when you want to say 'Wow!' about something you like. It's a great word to use in travel or food conversations. Remember that it is an adjective, so it describes a person, place, or thing. You can say 'He is incredible' or 'The city is incredible.' It's a very positive word that helps you express your feelings simply and clearly.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'incredible' used in more varied sentences. You might use it to describe experiences or skills. For instance, 'She has an incredible voice' or 'We had an incredible holiday.' You are moving beyond just 'good' and using 'incredible' to show that something is special. You might also notice it being used with 'it is.' For example, 'It is incredible that you are here!' This shows a little bit of the 'surprising' meaning. At this level, you should try to use it to replace common words like 'very good' to make your English sound more interesting. It's a high-frequency word, so you will hear it in movies and songs often. Just remember to use it for things that are better than average.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'incredible' has two main sides. One side is 'very good and impressive' (like an incredible performance), and the other side is 'difficult to believe' (like an incredible story). You can now use it to express amazement at facts or events. You might say, 'It's incredible how much the city has changed.' You should also be aware of the adverb form, 'incredibly,' which you can use to modify other adjectives, like 'incredibly expensive' or 'incredibly fast.' At this level, you are expected to use 'incredible' to add emphasis to your opinions in both speaking and writing. It helps you sound more fluent and passionate about the topics you are discussing.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'incredible' in a variety of contexts, including professional and academic settings. You understand that while it's a strong word, it can be used to describe significant data or achievements (e.g., 'incredible growth in the tech sector'). You should also know which adverbs pair well with it, such as 'absolutely' or 'truly,' and avoid using 'very.' You can distinguish between 'incredible' and 'unbelievable' based on the tone of the situation. At B2, you might use 'incredible' to describe complex concepts, like 'incredible complexity' or 'incredible resilience.' You are also beginning to recognize when the word might be used hyperbolically (exaggeratedly) in media or advertising.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'incredible.' You can use it to convey subtle shades of disbelief or irony. You might use it in a legal or formal context to mean 'lacking credibility' (e.g., 'The witness's testimony was deemed incredible by the jury'). You also know how to use it to create a specific atmosphere in your writing, perhaps pairing it with more obscure nouns to create vivid imagery. You understand the etymology (from Latin 'in-' and 'credibilis') and how that history informs its modern usage. You can also compare and contrast 'incredible' with synonyms like 'implausible,' 'astounding,' or 'extraordinary' to choose the most precise word for your specific purpose.

At the C2 level, you use 'incredible' with the precision of a native speaker. You are aware of its potential for overuse and can skillfully substitute it with more nuanced alternatives when necessary. You can use it in highly complex sentence structures, such as 'The sheer, incredible audacity of the move left his opponents reeling.' You understand its role in cultural rhetoric and how it can be used to shape public perception. You are also sensitive to the prosody (rhythm and stress) of the word in speech, using it for maximum rhetorical effect. At this level, 'incredible' is just one of many tools in your extensive vocabulary, and you know exactly when it is the most effective choice to convey a specific level of awe, skepticism, or intensity.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

incredible in 30 Sekunden

Incredible is a strong adjective used to describe something amazing, impressive, or very difficult to believe.
It comes from the Latin roots meaning 'not believable,' but is mostly used as a positive superlative today.
Commonly used in sports, travel, and casual conversation to express high levels of excitement or awe.
Should be paired with intensifiers like 'absolutely' rather than 'very' to sound more natural.

The word incredible is a powerhouse in the English language, serving as a versatile adjective that bridges the gap between literal disbelief and extreme admiration. At its core, it describes something that is so extraordinary that it seems impossible or difficult to believe. However, in modern usage, it has evolved into a high-energy superlative used to describe anything exceptionally good, impressive, or surprising. Understanding the nuance of 'incredible' requires looking at its dual nature: the 'hard to believe' aspect and the 'wonderful' aspect.

Literal Meaning: In a formal or historical context, incredible refers to something that lacks credibility. If a witness gives an incredible account of an event, it means the story is not believable. This usage is less common in casual speech but vital in legal or academic writing.

The athlete showed incredible resilience after the injury, returning to the field in record time.

When people use 'incredible' today, they are usually expressing a sense of awe. It is a 'wow' word. You might use it to describe a sunset, a delicious meal, a talented musician, or a surprising turn of events. It carries more emotional weight than 'good' or 'nice' and even more than 'great.' It suggests that the thing being described has exceeded all normal expectations. It is frequently paired with adverbs like 'absolutely,' 'truly,' or 'simply' to add even more emphasis.

Positive Connotation: In 90% of daily conversations, incredible is a compliment. It signifies that something is top-tier or world-class. If someone says your work is incredible, they are not saying they don't believe you did it; they are saying they are stunned by its quality.

The view from the penthouse was incredible, spanning the entire city skyline.

The 'Unbelievable' Aspect: Sometimes, incredible is used for negative or neutral things that are simply shocking. 'It is incredible that he survived that crash' doesn't mean the crash was good; it means the survival is a miracle that defies logic.

It is incredible how much technology has changed in just ten years.

She has an incredible ability to remember names after meeting someone only once.

The speed of the new processor is incredible compared to last year's model.

Using incredible correctly involves placing it where it can best emphasize the noun or action it describes. As an adjective, its primary role is to modify nouns, but it also frequently appears after linking verbs like 'be,' 'seem,' or 'look.' Because it is a 'gradable' adjective in sense but often functions as an 'extreme' adjective, it pairs beautifully with specific intensifiers.

Attributive Position: This is when 'incredible' comes before the noun. Example: 'An incredible discovery.' Here, it acts as a direct descriptor, setting the tone for the noun that follows.

The scientists made an incredible breakthrough in renewable energy research.

In the predicative position, 'incredible' follows a verb. This is very common in spoken English when reacting to news or experiences. 'That's incredible!' is a standard response to hearing something amazing. You can also use it to describe feelings or states: 'I feel incredible today,' implying a high level of health or happiness.

Intensifying Incredible: Since 'incredible' is already a strong word, you shouldn't use 'very' with it. Instead, use 'absolutely,' 'truly,' 'quite,' or 'simply.' Saying 'very incredible' sounds slightly unnatural to native speakers.

The sunset was incredible; the sky was a mix of deep purple and bright orange.

Using 'It is incredible that...': This structure is used to introduce a surprising fact. It functions as an introductory phrase that signals the speaker's disbelief or amazement at the clause that follows.

It is incredible that we managed to finish the project on such a tight deadline.

The team showed incredible dedication, working through the weekend to solve the issue.

I find it incredible how she can stay so calm under such intense pressure.

The word incredible is ubiquitous in modern English, echoing through sports stadiums, corporate boardrooms, and social media feeds. Its high-impact nature makes it a favorite for anyone trying to convey excitement or emphasize the magnitude of an achievement. Because it is so expressive, it is a staple of storytelling and reporting.

Sports Commentary: Announcers love this word. You will hear it when a player makes a last-second goal or an impossible catch. 'An incredible play!' or 'Incredible athleticism!' are phrases heard in almost every broadcast.

The goalkeeper made an incredible save in the final minute to secure the win.

In the world of travel and tourism, 'incredible' is the go-to adjective for marketing. Brochures and travel influencers use it to describe destinations, hotels, and experiences. It is meant to evoke a sense of wonder and luxury. If a travel guide says a view is 'incredible,' they are promising you a memory that will stay with you forever.

Casual Social Interaction: Friends use it to validate each other's stories. If you tell a friend about a great concert, they might respond, 'That sounds incredible!' It serves as an enthusiastic agreement and a way to show they are engaged in your story.

We had an incredible time exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu.

News and Documentaries: In nature documentaries, narrators use 'incredible' to describe the complex behaviors of animals or the vastness of the cosmos. It helps the audience feel the same sense of awe that the researchers feel.

The migration of the monarch butterfly is an incredible feat of nature.

The feedback from our clients has been incredible since the new update launched.

It was an incredible honor to be invited to speak at the international conference.

While incredible is a common word, there are several pitfalls that learners and even native speakers often fall into. These mistakes usually involve word choice, intensity, or confusing 'incredible' with its linguistic cousins. Mastering these nuances will make your English sound much more natural and precise.

Incredible vs. Incredulous: This is the most frequent error. 'Incredible' describes the *thing* that is hard to believe (the story, the view). 'Incredulous' describes the *person* who doesn't believe it. You cannot have an 'incredulous story,' and you usually aren't an 'incredible person' in the sense of being skeptical.

Correct: He told an incredible story. He looked incredulous when I told him the news.

Another mistake is the 'over-intensification' mentioned earlier. 'Incredible' is an absolute or extreme adjective. In English grammar, extreme adjectives don't usually take 'very.' If you say 'very incredible,' it's like saying 'very unique' or 'very perfect.' It's logically redundant. Use 'absolutely' or 'truly' instead.

The 'Good vs. Bad' Trap: Because 'incredible' is so often positive, some learners forget it can be used for negative things that are simply 'unbelievable.' However, be careful: describing a tragedy as 'incredible' might sound insensitive if not phrased correctly. It's safer to use 'unbelievable' or 'horrific' for negative events.

Incorrect: The movie was very incredible. Correct: The movie was absolutely incredible.

Confusing with 'Unbelievable': While they are synonyms, 'unbelievable' is often used for things that are frustrating or annoying (e.g., 'The traffic is unbelievable!'). 'Incredible' is rarely used this way. If you are stuck in traffic, don't say 'This traffic is incredible' unless you are truly amazed by the sheer volume of cars.

It's incredible how many people forget to check their spelling before submitting.

The incredible amount of data required for this study was a major challenge.

She has an incredible eye for detail, which makes her a great editor.

To avoid overusing incredible, it is helpful to have a toolkit of synonyms that carry slightly different shades of meaning. Depending on whether you want to emphasize the 'unbelievable' nature, the 'beauty,' or the 'size' of something, you might choose a different word.

Incredible vs. Extraordinary: 'Extraordinary' literally means 'out of the ordinary.' It is slightly more formal than 'incredible' and is often used to describe talents, events, or efforts that go beyond what is normal.
Incredible vs. Astounding: 'Astounding' emphasizes the shock or surprise. If something is astounding, it leaves you momentarily speechless or 'stunned.' Use this for scientific discoveries or sudden plot twists.
Incredible vs. Phenomenal: 'Phenomenal' is often used for performance or growth. It suggests that something is a 'phenomenon'—a remarkable occurrence. It's very popular in business and sports.

The incredible (or astounding) speed of light is a fundamental constant of physics.

For more casual settings, you might use 'amazing,' 'awesome,' or 'fantastic.' 'Amazing' is the closest direct synonym for 'incredible' in daily life. 'Awesome' has a more youthful, informal vibe, while 'fantastic' often implies something is wonderful in a creative or imaginative way.

Incredible vs. Unbelievable: As mentioned, 'unbelievable' is more neutral. It can be used for something so bad it's hard to believe, whereas 'incredible' is almost always leaning towards the positive or the impressive.

His incredible (or extraordinary) talent for painting was evident from a young age.

Incredible vs. Miraculous: 'Miraculous' is the strongest alternative. It implies that the event was so incredible it seems to have been caused by divine intervention or magic. Use this for survival stories or extreme luck.

The incredible (or miraculous) recovery of the patient stunned the doctors.

The incredible (or phenomenal) success of the startup led to a massive IPO.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The shift from 'unbelievable' to 'wonderful' happened in the early 20th century. Before then, calling a sunset 'incredible' might have implied you thought it was a fake painting!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɪnˈkred.ə.bəl/

US /ɪnˈkred.ə.bəl/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: in-KRED-i-ble.

Reimt sich auf

Edible Credible Legible Eligible Negligible Intelligible Tangible Incorrigible

Häufige Fehler

Stressing the first syllable (IN-credible).
Pronouncing the 'i' in the third syllable too clearly (it should be a schwa).
Missing the 'i' entirely and saying 'in-kred-ble'.
Confusing the 'in-' prefix with 'un-' and saying 'uncredible'.
Pronouncing the final 'e' (it is silent).

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but formal meanings can be tricky.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct spelling and knowing which intensifiers to use.

Sprechen 2/5

Very common and easy to use as a reaction.

Hören 2/5

Clear pronunciation and usually emphasized by the speaker.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Good Great Believe Amazing Surprise

Als Nächstes lernen

Extraordinary Phenomenal Incredulous Credibility Plausible

Fortgeschritten

Implausible Astounding Preposterous Miraculous Stupendous

Wichtige Grammatik

Extreme Adjectives

Incredible is an extreme adjective, so we use 'absolutely' instead of 'very'.

Adjective Order

Incredible usually comes before other more specific adjectives (e.g., an incredible blue car).

That-Clauses

'It is incredible that...' is followed by a full sentence (subject + verb).

Adverb Formation

Add '-ly' to make the adverb 'incredibly' (note the 'e' stays).

Prefix 'In-'

The prefix 'in-' often means 'not', as in 'incredible' (not believable).

Beispiele nach Niveau

The food at this restaurant is incredible.

La nourriture dans ce restaurant est incroyable.

Used as a predicative adjective after 'is'.

You have an incredible house!

Tu as une maison incroyable !

Used as an attributive adjective before 'house'.

The weather today is incredible.

Le temps aujourd'hui est incroyable.

Describes the state of the weather.

That movie was incredible.

Ce film était incroyable.

Past tense 'was' + incredible.

She is an incredible singer.

C'est une chanteuse incroyable.

Modifies the noun 'singer'.

Look at that incredible sunset!

Regarde ce coucher de soleil incroyable !

Imperative sentence using 'incredible' for emphasis.

The view from here is incredible.

La vue d'ici est incroyable.

Subject + is + incredible.

My dog has incredible energy.

Mon chien a une énergie incroyable.

Describes a quality (energy).

It is incredible that you finished the book in one day.

C'est incroyable que tu aies fini le livre en un jour.

Introductory 'It is incredible that' clause.

We saw some incredible animals at the zoo.

Nous avons vu des animaux incroyables au zoo.

Plural noun 'animals' modified by 'incredible'.

He has an incredible talent for drawing.

Il a un talent incroyable pour le dessin.

Focuses on a specific skill/talent.

The hotel we stayed in was incredible.

L'hôtel où nous avons séjourné était incroyable.

Relative clause 'we stayed in' modifies 'hotel'.

I had an incredible time at your party.

J'ai passé un moment incroyable à ta fête.

Common phrase 'had an incredible time'.

The technology in this car is incredible.

La technologie dans cette voiture est incroyable.

Describes the quality of a system.

She told us an incredible story about her travels.

Elle nous a raconté une histoire incroyable sur ses voyages.

Indirect object 'us' + direct object 'incredible story'.

The mountain was incredible to climb.

La montagne était incroyable à gravir.

Adjective + infinitive 'to climb'.

The athlete's speed was truly incredible.

La vitesse de l'athlète était vraiment incroyable.

Uses 'truly' as an intensifier.

It's incredible how much prices have gone up lately.

C'est incroyable à quel point les prix ont augmenté ces derniers temps.

'It's incredible how' + clause.

She made an incredible recovery after the accident.

Elle a fait un rétablissement incroyable après l'accident.

Describes a surprising process (recovery).

The museum has an incredible collection of ancient art.

Le musée possède une collection incroyable d'art ancien.

Describes a large and impressive group of items.

I find it incredible that they haven't called yet.

Je trouve incroyable qu'ils n'aient pas encore appelé.

Verb 'find' + object 'it' + adjective 'incredible'.

The band gave an incredible performance last night.

Le groupe a donné une performance incroyable hier soir.

Collocation: 'give an incredible performance'.

He has an incredible memory for dates and names.

Il a une mémoire incroyable pour les dates et les noms.

Specific use for mental abilities.

The transformation of the old factory was incredible.

La transformation de l'ancienne usine était incroyable.

Describes a significant change.

The company has seen incredible growth over the last quarter.

L'entreprise a connu une croissance incroyable au cours du dernier trimestre.

Used in a professional/business context.

It is absolutely incredible that such a small device can do so much.

Il est absolument incroyable qu'un si petit appareil puisse en faire autant.

Uses 'absolutely' for maximum emphasis.

The team's dedication to the project was simply incredible.

Le dévouement de l'équipe au projet était tout simplement incroyable.

Uses 'simply' as a synonym for 'truly' or 'just'.

She has an incredible ability to remain calm under pressure.

Elle a une capacité incroyable à rester calme sous pression.

Abstract noun 'ability' modified by 'incredible'.

The film's special effects were incredible for their time.

Les effets spéciaux du film étaient incroyables pour leur époque.

Includes a qualifying phrase 'for their time'.

It's incredible to think that humans have walked on the moon.

C'est incroyable de penser que des humains ont marché sur la lune.

Infinitive phrase 'to think that' following 'incredible'.

The sheer volume of work he produces is incredible.

Le volume impressionnant de travail qu'il produit est incroyable.

Often paired with 'sheer' to emphasize scale.

The diversity of life in the rainforest is truly incredible.

La diversité de la vie dans la forêt tropicale est vraiment incroyable.

Used in a scientific or descriptive context.

The witness provided an incredible account of the events, leading the jury to doubt him.

Le témoin a fourni un récit peu crédible des événements, ce qui a amené le jury à douter de lui.

Uses the formal meaning: 'lacking credibility'.

The architectural complexity of the cathedral is nothing short of incredible.

La complexité architecturale de la cathédrale n'est rien de moins qu'incroyable.

Idiomatic expression 'nothing short of' + incredible.

It is incredible that such a blatant error went unnoticed for so long.

Il est incroyable qu'une erreur aussi flagrante soit passée inaperçue pendant si longtemps.

Used to express critical disbelief.

The athlete showed incredible fortitude in the face of overwhelming odds.

L'athlète a fait preuve d'une force d'âme incroyable face à des chances accablantes.

Uses high-level vocabulary like 'fortitude' and 'odds'.

The novel's success was due to its incredible depth and character development.

Le succès du roman était dû à sa profondeur incroyable et au développement de ses personnages.

Describes abstract literary qualities.

He possesses an incredible knack for finding solutions to impossible problems.

Il possède un talent incroyable pour trouver des solutions à des problèmes impossibles.

Uses the informal but sophisticated noun 'knack'.

The speed of the market's collapse was truly incredible to witness.

La rapidité de l'effondrement du marché était vraiment incroyable à observer.

Describes a negative but impressive event.

The project required an incredible amount of coordination between different departments.

Le projet a nécessité une coordination incroyable entre les différents départements.

Focuses on the scale of a logistical effort.

The sheer, incredible audacity of his claim left the audience in stunned silence.

L'audace pure et incroyable de sa déclaration a laissé le public dans un silence de plomb.

Uses 'sheer' and 'audacity' for rhetorical weight.

Incredible as it may seem, the entire structure was built without a single nail.

Aussi incroyable que cela puisse paraître, toute la structure a été construite sans un seul clou.

Concessive phrase 'Incredible as it may seem'.

The philosopher argued that the concept of 'self' is an incredible illusion.

Le philosophe a soutenu que le concept de « soi » est une illusion incroyable.

Used in an abstract, philosophical context.

The symphony's finale was an incredible explosion of sound and emotion.

Le final de la symphonie était une explosion incroyable de son et d'émotion.

Metaphorical use of 'explosion'.

She navigated the political landscape with incredible finesse and strategic vision.

Elle a navigué dans le paysage politique avec une finesse et une vision stratégique incroyables.

Describes high-level interpersonal skills.

The document was dismissed as incredible, lacking any verifiable evidence.

Le document a été rejeté comme non crédible, manquant de toute preuve vérifiable.

Strictly formal/legal usage meaning 'not believable'.

The incredible vastness of the Sahara is difficult for the human mind to grasp.

L'immensité incroyable du Sahara est difficile à saisir pour l'esprit humain.

Pairs 'incredible' with 'vastness' for poetic effect.

There is an incredible irony in the fact that the fire station burned down.

Il y a une ironie incroyable dans le fait que la caserne de pompiers ait brûlé.

Describes a conceptual contradiction (irony).

Häufige Kollokationen

Incredible journey

Incredible amount

Incredible speed

Incredible talent

Incredible story

Incredible view

Incredible achievement

Incredible strength

Incredible detail

Incredible luck

Häufige Phrasen

That's incredible!

Simply incredible

Absolutely incredible

It's incredible that...

Incredible as it sounds

An incredible feat

Incredible resilience

Incredible bargain

Incredible waste

Incredible pace

Wird oft verwechselt mit

incredible vs Incredulous

Incredulous is how a person feels (skeptical); incredible is how a thing is (unbelievable).

incredible vs Unbelievable

Very similar, but unbelievable is used more for negative or annoying things.

incredible vs Credible

The opposite; means something can be believed or trusted.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Beyond belief"

Something so incredible that it cannot be believed.

The cruelty of the regime was beyond belief.

Formal/Neutral

"Too good to be true"

Something so incredible that you suspect it might be a lie or a trick.

The job offer seemed too good to be true.

Informal

"Out of this world"

Extremely good or impressive; incredible.

The chocolate cake was out of this world.

Informal

"Mind-blowing"

So incredible that it overwhelms the mind.

The special effects in the movie were mind-blowing.

Slang/Informal

"Hard to swallow"

An incredible story or excuse that is difficult to accept as true.

His excuse for missing the wedding was a bit hard to swallow.

Informal

"A sight to behold"

Something incredible or beautiful to look at.

The Grand Canyon at sunrise is a sight to behold.

Literary

"Words fail me"

Used when something is so incredible (good or bad) that you cannot find words to describe it.

When I saw the damage to my car, words failed me.

Neutral

"Take one's breath away"

To be so incredible or beautiful that it causes a physical reaction of awe.

The view from the top took my breath away.

Neutral

"Blow someone's mind"

To surprise someone with something incredible.

That documentary will blow your mind.

Slang

"One in a million"

Something or someone incredibly rare and special.

A talent like hers is one in a million.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

incredible vs Incredulous

Similar spelling and root.

Incredible describes the object/event; Incredulous describes the person's reaction.

The story was incredible, and the audience was incredulous.

incredible vs Unbelievable

They have the same literal meaning.

Incredible is usually positive; Unbelievable can be positive or negative.

The traffic is unbelievable (bad). The view is incredible (good).

incredible vs Extraordinary

Both mean 'very special'.

Extraordinary is more formal and emphasizes being 'outside the norm'.

He has an extraordinary talent for music.

incredible vs Amazing

Both are common superlatives.

Amazing is slightly more common in casual speech; incredible is slightly stronger.

That was an amazing/incredible dinner.

incredible vs Incredibly

Confusing the adjective with the adverb.

Incredible modifies nouns; incredibly modifies adjectives or verbs.

An incredible (adj) car. Incredibly (adv) fast.

Satzmuster

The [noun] is incredible.

The cake is incredible.

An incredible [noun].

An incredible story.

It is incredible how [clause].

It is incredible how fast he runs.

Incredibly [adjective].

Incredibly beautiful.

Absolutely incredible.

The results were absolutely incredible.

I find it incredible that [clause].

I find it incredible that she forgot.

Nothing short of incredible.

His recovery was nothing short of incredible.

Incredible as it may seem...

Incredible as it may seem, he won.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very High (Top 3000 words in English)

Häufige Fehler

Very incredible → Absolutely incredible
'Incredible' is an extreme adjective. We don't use 'very' with extreme adjectives. It's like saying 'very giant.'
I am incredible that... → I am incredulous that...
You are the person who doesn't believe, so you are 'incredulous.' The news is 'incredible.'
An incredable story → An incredible story
The suffix is '-ible,' not '-able.' This is a very common spelling error.
A incredible view → An incredible view
Always use 'an' before a word starting with a vowel sound.
It was incredible bad. → It was incredibly bad.
Use the adverb 'incredibly' to modify another adjective like 'bad.'

Tipps

Use 'an' not 'a'

Because 'incredible' starts with a vowel sound, always use 'an' before it. For example: 'An incredible opportunity.'

Avoid 'Very'

Since 'incredible' is already a very strong word, 'very' makes it sound weaker. Use 'absolutely' for more impact.

Stress the 'KRED'

The middle syllable is the most important. Say it louder and longer: in-KRED-i-ble.

Synonym Variety

If you have already used 'incredible' in a paragraph, try 'astounding' or 'extraordinary' next time to keep your writing fresh.

A Great Reaction

Saying 'That's incredible!' is a perfect way to show you are listening and impressed when someone tells you good news.

The 'I' Rule

Remember the 'i' in the middle. It's not 'incredable.' Think of the word 'credit' to help you remember the 'i'.

Positive Bias

In 99% of cases, use 'incredible' for things you like. It's a very 'happy' word in modern English.

Legal Meaning

In law, 'incredible' means 'not believable.' Be aware of this if you are reading legal documents or crime novels.

Listen for Hyperbole

People often use 'incredible' to exaggerate. If someone says 'The line for coffee was incredible,' they just mean it was very long.

The Hulk Method

Associate the word with 'The Incredible Hulk.' He does things that are hard to believe!

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'In-Cred-I-Ble'. 'In' means 'not', 'Cred' means 'believe' (like a credit card you trust). So, it's something you 'cannot believe' because it's so good!

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a superhero (like The Incredible Hulk) doing something impossible, like lifting a whole building. That is incredible!

Word Web

Amazing Unbelievable Extraordinary Astounding Wonderful Stunning Shocking Phenomenal

Herausforderung

Try to use 'incredible' three times today: once to describe food, once to describe a person's skill, and once to react to a surprising news story.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Latin word 'incredibilis', which is composed of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and 'credibilis' (meaning 'worthy of belief'). It entered Middle English via Old French in the late 14th century.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original meaning was strictly 'that cannot be believed' or 'unbelievable.'

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > English

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful using 'incredible' for tragic events; 'unbelievable' or 'devastating' is usually more appropriate.

Americans use 'incredible' more often than 'extraordinary,' whereas British speakers might use 'brilliant' or 'marvelous' in similar situations.

The Incredibles (Disney/Pixar movie about superheroes) The Incredible Hulk (Marvel Comics character) The Incredible Journey (famous novel and movie about pets traveling home)

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Dining Out

This dessert is incredible.
The service here is incredible.
An incredible wine list.
The flavors are incredible.

Travel

An incredible landscape.
We had an incredible trip.
The architecture is incredible.
Incredible hospitality.

Work/Business

Incredible progress.
An incredible team effort.
Incredible growth.
Incredible attention to detail.

Sports

An incredible goal.
Incredible stamina.
An incredible comeback.
Incredible atmosphere in the stadium.

News/Science

An incredible discovery.
Incredible footage.
It's incredible that...
An incredible coincidence.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Have you seen any incredible movies lately?"

"What is the most incredible place you have ever visited?"

"I heard an incredible story on the news today, do you want to hear it?"

"Don't you think the technology in these new phones is incredible?"

"What is an incredible skill you wish you had?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about an incredible experience you had during your childhood.

Describe an incredible person you know and why they inspire you.

If you could have one incredible superpower, what would it be and why?

Reflect on an incredible challenge you overcame in the past year.

Describe an incredible view you have seen and how it made you feel.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

It is better to avoid 'very' with 'incredible' because it is an extreme adjective. Instead, use 'absolutely' or 'truly' to sound more natural. For example, 'The show was absolutely incredible' is better than 'The show was very incredible.'

Usually, yes. In modern English, it is mostly used to mean 'wonderful.' However, it can also mean 'hard to believe,' which can be used for neutral or negative things, like 'an incredible coincidence' or 'an incredible tragedy.' But 'unbelievable' is more common for negative things.

They are very similar. 'Incredible' is more often used as a compliment (e.g., 'incredible work'). 'Unbelievable' is often used when you are frustrated or shocked by something bad (e.g., 'The prices here are unbelievable!').

The spelling is I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E. A common mistake is to forget the 'i' before the 'ble' or to use an 'a' instead of an 'i'. Remember: in-cred-i-ble.

Yes! If you say someone is an 'incredible person,' it means they are very kind, talented, or impressive. It is a very high compliment.

It can be used, but words like 'extraordinary,' 'significant,' or 'remarkable' are often preferred in very formal academic or technical writing. In a business presentation, however, 'incredible' is perfectly fine.

Incredulous is an adjective for a person who does not believe something. For example, 'She was incredulous when I told her I won.' Don't confuse it with 'incredible,' which describes the thing that is hard to believe.

It comes from Latin. 'In-' means 'not' and 'credere' means 'to believe.' So, it literally means 'not able to be believed.'

Common adverbs include 'absolutely,' 'truly,' 'simply,' 'quite,' and 'nearly.' These help to emphasize the strength of the word.

Usually, 'incredible' is reserved for big or very impressive things. If you use it for something small, like a pen, it might sound like you are being sarcastic or very exaggerated.