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B1 adjective 16 Min. Lesezeit

incrédule

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At the A1 level, you are just starting your journey into French. The word 'incrédule' might seem a bit advanced, but you can understand it by thinking about the feeling you have when you see something impossible, like a dog riding a bicycle. At this level, you can simply think of 'incrédule' as a fancy way to say 'I don't believe it' or 'He is surprised'. You don't need to use it in complex sentences yet. Instead, try to recognize it when you see it. It looks very similar to the English word 'incredulous', which helps! Imagine someone's face with big eyes and a mouth open—that is the face of someone who is 'incrédule'. In simple French, you might say 'Il ne croit pas' (He does not believe). 'Incrédule' is just a more specific adjective for that feeling. If you see a magic trick, you are 'incrédule'. If your friend says they met a famous actor, you might look 'incrédule'. Remember, it describes the *person* who is surprised, not the thing that is surprising. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand books or videos where people are very shocked. It is a good word to have in your 'passive' vocabulary, meaning you understand it when you hear it, even if you don't use it yourself yet. Just focus on the connection: Incrédule = Surprise + Disbelief.

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As an A2 learner, you are building more descriptive power in your French. You can start using 'incrédule' to describe how people look or feel in specific situations. For example, you can say 'Il a un regard incrédule' (He has a disbelieving look). This is much more interesting than just saying 'Il est surpris' (He is surprised). At this level, you should notice that 'incrédule' is the same for both men and women. You don't have to worry about adding an 'e' at the end for a girl. You only add an 's' if there is more than one person: 'Ils sont incrédules'. You might use this word when talking about news or stories. If you hear a story that sounds like a lie, you can say 'Je suis incrédule'. It shows you are thinking about the truth of what was said. It is also helpful to know the opposite word: 'crédule'. A 'crédule' person believes everything, like a child. By knowing both, you can describe different types of people. Practice saying 'incrédule' with the nasal 'in' sound at the start. It sounds like the 'ain' in 'pain' (bread). Using this word correctly will make your descriptions of people's reactions much more natural and precise. Try to use it the next time you talk about a movie where something crazy happened!

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At the B1 level, you are becoming more independent in French. You should be able to use 'incrédule' comfortably in various contexts. This is the level where you start to understand the nuance between being 'surpris' (surprised) and 'incrédule' (disbelieving). Being 'incrédule' means that the surprise is so big that your brain is having trouble accepting that it is real. You can use it with verbs like 'rester' or 'demeurer' to show a lasting state of disbelief: 'Elle est restée incrédule devant les résultats' (She remained incredulous at the results). This shows that even after seeing the results, she still couldn't believe them. You can also use it to describe an 'air' or a 'sourire'. A 'sourire incrédule' is that little smile you give when someone tells you something so ridiculous that you think they must be joking. You will encounter this word in news articles and intermediate-level books. It is a key word for expressing skepticism in a polite but clear way. In discussions, you can use it to challenge someone's point without being rude: 'Je reste un peu incrédule face à votre proposition'. This sounds very professional and shows you have a good command of the language. Make sure you don't confuse it with 'incroyable'. Remember: the news is 'incroyable', but you are 'incrédule'. If you can keep that distinction clear, you are well on your way to mastering this level of French vocabulary.

At the B2 level, you should be using 'incrédule' with confidence and precision. You understand that it carries a certain weight and can be used to describe not just a reaction, but a character trait or a philosophical position. An 'esprit incrédule' is someone who is naturally skeptical and hard to convince. You can use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as using it as an appositive: 'Incrédule, le détective examinait les preuves' (Incredulous, the detective examined the evidence). This adds a literary flair to your writing. You should also be familiar with the noun form, 'l'incrédulité'. You can talk about 'l'incrédulité générale' (general disbelief) following a public event. At this level, you can also start to explore the religious and historical connotations of the word, where it refers to a lack of faith. In a debate, you might distinguish between 'être incrédule' (being unable to believe a specific fact) and 'être sceptique' (having a systematic doubt). You understand that 'incrédule' is often more visceral and immediate. You can also use the adverbial phrase 'd'un air incrédule' to modify verbs of perception: 'regarder d'un air incrédule'. This level of detail makes your French sound much more sophisticated and allows you to capture the subtle differences in human reactions. You are also expected to use the plural and feminine forms (though identical in spelling for the latter) correctly in all written work.

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For C1 learners, 'incrédule' is a tool for stylistic precision and psychological depth. You should be able to use it to convey the subtle interplay between shock, doubt, and refusal. In your writing, you can use 'incrédule' to create atmosphere. For example, describing a crowd as 'une foule incrédule' suggests a heavy, stunned silence that 'une foule surprise' does not capture. You should be able to discuss the etymology of the word, linking it to the Latin 'credere' and comparing it with other members of the word family like 'crédibilité', 'accréditer', or 'discréditer'. You can use 'incrédule' in a variety of registers, from the formal 'demeurer incrédule' in a legal or academic context to the more descriptive 'un petit rire incrédule' in a novel. You are also aware of the literary history of the 'incrédule'—the figure who refuses to believe in the supernatural or the divine, often serving as a foil to more spiritual characters. Your usage should reflect an understanding of how 'incrédule' functions within a sentence to provide focus on the subject's internal state. You can also use it to describe abstract concepts, like 'un siècle incrédule', describing an era characterized by a lack of faith or widespread skepticism. At this level, your goal is to use the word so naturally that it perfectly fits the tone and nuance of your message, showing a deep integration of French cultural and linguistic norms.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'incrédule'. You understand its most subtle connotations and can use it in highly sophisticated ways. You might use it to describe a 'silence incrédule' that speaks volumes about a situation, or use it ironically to describe someone who is pretending not to believe something. You are comfortable using the word as a noun ('un incrédule') to categorize people in a philosophical or sociological discussion. You can analyze how the word's meaning has shifted slightly over centuries, from a primarily religious term to a psychological one. In your own creative or academic writing, you use 'incrédule' to add layers of meaning, perhaps exploring the tension between 'l'incrédulité' and 'la volonté de croire' (the will to believe). You can effortlessly navigate the differences between 'incrédule', 'sceptique', 'dubitatif', and 'soupçonneux', choosing the exact word that fits the psychological profile of the person you are describing. You might also use the word in idiomatic or semi-idiomatic ways, such as 'faire l'incrédule' (to play the part of someone who doesn't believe). Your mastery is shown by your ability to use the word in a way that feels both precise and effortless, whether you are writing a complex essay on French literature or participating in a high-level debate on current affairs. You recognize that 'incrédule' is not just a word, but a window into the French way of perceiving reality and the limits of belief.

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Incrédule describes a person who is unable or unwilling to believe something, often due to shock or a skeptical nature.
It is a versatile adjective used for both reactions to specific events and describing a person's general character trait.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'rester' or 'demeurer', it captures a persistent state of disbelief in the face of evidence.
Unlike 'incroyable' (unbelievable), 'incrédule' refers to the person feeling the disbelief, not the thing being disbelieved.

The French adjective incrédule is a sophisticated and nuanced term used to describe a person who is unable or unwilling to believe something that has been presented to them. While it translates directly to the English word 'incredulous,' its application in French often carries a deeper psychological weight, suggesting a state of profound shock or a fundamental clash between a new piece of information and one's existing worldview. When someone is incrédule, they are not merely skeptical in a scientific or philosophical sense; rather, they are often caught in a moment of cognitive dissonance where the reality before them seems impossible or absurd. This word is frequently employed in literature, journalism, and elevated conversation to capture the precise moment of disbelief that follows a surprising revelation, a miraculous event, or a shocking betrayal. It is a word that describes the internal state of the observer rather than the external quality of the object being observed.

Emotional State: The term incrédule implies a temporary paralysis of belief. It is the wide-eyed stare of a person who has just won the lottery or the stunned silence of someone hearing a piece of news that contradicts everything they thought they knew about a friend. It is more visceral than simple doubt.

Face à l'annonce de sa victoire, il est resté totalement incrédule, incapable de prononcer le moindre mot.

In a broader context, incrédule can also describe a personality trait. An 'esprit incrédule' is someone who possesses a naturally suspicious or doubting nature. This person does not take information at face value and requires substantial evidence before accepting a claim. However, unlike the word 'sceptique', which can imply a healthy, methodological approach to truth, 'incrédule' often suggests a certain stubbornness or an emotional refusal to accept the truth. It is the hallmark of the 'doubting Thomas' figure in various narratives. In modern French, you will hear this word used when people discuss political scandals, scientific breakthroughs that seem like science fiction, or even in personal relationships when a partner is caught in a lie that seems too elaborate to be true.

Social Usage: In social settings, calling someone incrédule can be a way to point out their lack of faith or their excessive caution. It is often used with the verb 'demeurer' or 'rester' to show that the state of disbelief is persisting despite further explanation.

Elle a jeté un regard incrédule à son frère quand il a affirmé avoir vu un ovni dans le jardin.

Furthermore, the word has a historical and religious dimension. Historically, an 'incrédule' was someone who did not believe in religious dogmas or the existence of a deity. While 'athée' (atheist) is the more common modern term for this, 'incrédule' still carries that slight connotation of lacking faith in a broader, more spiritual sense. In literature, a character described as incrédule is often one who represents the cold light of reason or the cynicism of experience, standing in contrast to more naive or faithful characters. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it sits at the intersection of emotion and intellect; it is the mind saying 'no' when the senses are saying 'yes'.

Le public, d'abord incrédule, a fini par applaudir frénétiquement la performance du magicien.

Literary Nuance: In classic French novels, being incrédule is often a sign of a sophisticated, perhaps slightly jaded, urban character who refuses to be fooled by provincial superstitions or romantic ideals.

Il restait incrédule devant la beauté du paysage, comme s'il s'agissait d'un décor de théâtre.

Son air incrédule montrait bien qu'il ne croyait pas un traître mot de mon explication.

Using incrédule correctly in a sentence involves understanding its role as an adjective that modifies either a person or their attributes (such as their look, their smile, or their voice). Because it describes a state of mind, it is often paired with verbs of state like 'être' (to be), 'paraître' (to appear), 'sembler' (to seem), or 'demeurer' (to remain). One of the most common constructions is 'rester incrédule devant [quelque chose]', which means to remain disbelieving in the face of something. This construction highlights the persistence of the disbelief despite the evidence being right in front of the person. You can also use it to modify nouns like 'un regard' (a look) or 'un sourire' (a smile) to describe the physical manifestation of that disbelief.

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'observer' or 'écouter' can be modified by the adverbial form 'd'un air incrédule' to describe how someone is performing an action while feeling disbelief.

Il m'écoutait d'un air incrédule pendant que je lui racontais mon aventure en Amazonie.

When you want to describe a group of people, the word takes an 's' at the end: 'incrédules'. This is useful for describing a crowd's reaction to a shocking event. For example, 'La foule incrédule regardait le bâtiment s'effondrer.' Here, the adjective adds an emotional layer to the description, showing that the crowd was not just watching, but was in a state of shock. It is also important to note that 'incrédule' can be used as a noun, although this is more formal or literary. 'Les incrédules' refers to those who do not believe. This is often used in religious or philosophical debates to categorize a group of people who refuse to accept a certain dogma or theory. However, for everyday French, sticking to its use as an adjective is much more common and practical.

Syntactic Position: Like many French adjectives, 'incrédule' usually follows the noun it modifies when it is used to describe a specific quality, such as 'un sourire incrédule'. However, it can also appear before the noun in more poetic or emphasized contexts.

Devant tant de luxe, elle restait incrédule, n'osant rien toucher dans la chambre d'hôtel.

In more complex sentence structures, 'incrédule' can be followed by the preposition 'devant' (in front of/at) or 'face à' (facing/in the face of). This allows you to specify exactly what is causing the disbelief. For instance, 'Il est incrédule devant les résultats de l'examen.' This structure is very common in formal writing. Another advanced usage involves using 'incrédule' in an appositive position at the beginning of a sentence to set the tone: 'Incrédule, elle relut la lettre trois fois.' This implies that her disbelief was the primary emotion driving her action of re-reading the letter. This stylistic choice is very effective in storytelling and narrative writing to build atmosphere and character depth.

Nous sommes restés incrédules face à la rapidité de sa guérison.

Prepositional Usage: Always remember that 'incrédule' describes the person. Do not use it to describe the news itself; for that, you would use 'incroyable'. You are incrédule because the news is incroyable.

Même après avoir vu les preuves, il demeure incrédule.

Le témoin, d'abord incrédule, a fini par raconter ce qu'il avait vu à la police.

In contemporary French life, incrédule is a word that bridges the gap between everyday speech and formal discourse. You will frequently encounter it in news broadcasts, particularly when a journalist is describing the public's reaction to an unprecedented event. For instance, after a major political upset or a shocking sports result, a reporter might say, 'Les supporters sont restés incrédules devant le score final.' This usage conveys the shared sense of shock that transcends simple disappointment. It is also a staple of high-quality French cinema and television. In a dramatic scene, a character might respond to a shocking confession with a simple, whispered 'Je suis incrédule,' or more likely, the camera will focus on their 'regard incrédule' to convey their internal state without the need for dialogue.

In the News: Journalists often use this word to describe the collective mood of a nation or a community following a disaster or a miraculous rescue, highlighting the difficulty of processing the reality of the situation.

À l'annonce de la fermeture de l'usine, les ouvriers sont restés incrédules pendant de longues minutes.

In the world of literature and arts, 'incrédule' is a favorite of authors who explore the human psyche. You will find it in the works of existentialists like Albert Camus or classic realists like Gustave Flaubert. It is used to describe characters who are confronted with the 'absurd'—the realization that the world does not always follow the logical patterns we expect. In these contexts, the word takes on a more philosophical tone. Furthermore, in the realm of science and technology, you might hear this word during discussions of revolutionary discoveries. A scientist might describe their initial reaction to a successful experiment as being 'incrédule,' emphasizing how the result challenged their previous hypotheses. This highlights that 'incrédule' is not just for the uneducated; it is a natural human response to the truly extraordinary, regardless of one's intellectual background.

Cultural Context: French culture values critical thinking and 'l'esprit critique.' Being incrédule is sometimes seen as a sign of intelligence—a refusal to be easily manipulated by rhetoric or appearances.

Même les experts les plus incrédules ont dû admettre que la nouvelle technologie fonctionnait parfaitement.

In everyday casual conversation, 'incrédule' is slightly less common than 'je n'y crois pas' (I don't believe it), but it is used when someone wants to emphasize the depth of their disbelief. If a friend tells you an incredibly unlikely story, you might say, 'Tu me laisses incrédule,' which is a more formal and impactful way of saying 'I'm stunned.' It is also found in debate and discussion. When someone presents a weak argument, their interlocutor might say, 'Je reste incrédule face à vos arguments,' which is a polite but firm way of saying 'I'm not buying what you're selling.' This versatility makes 'incrédule' a valuable addition to your French vocabulary, allowing you to express a range of disbelief from wide-eyed wonder to cold, hard skepticism.

Elle a écouté ses excuses d'un air incrédule, sachant qu'il mentait encore.

The 'Thomas' Reference: In French, 'un Thomas' or 'un incrédule' can refer to someone who needs to see to believe, referencing Saint Thomas. This is a common cultural touchstone.

Ne sois pas si incrédule, parfois il faut simplement faire confiance à son intuition.

Leur réaction incrédule était prévisible étant donné l'absurdité de la situation.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using incrédule is confusing it with its related noun or with other adjectives that describe similar but distinct states of mind. The most common confusion is between 'incrédule' and 'incroyable'. In English, you might say 'I am incredible' if you mean you are amazing, but in French, saying 'Je suis incroyable' means 'I am unbelievable' or 'I am amazing,' whereas 'Je suis incrédule' means 'I am in a state of disbelief.' Remember: 'incrédule' describes the person who is feeling the disbelief, while 'incroyable' describes the thing that is hard to believe. If you say 'Cette nouvelle est incrédule,' you are making a grammatical error because a piece of news cannot feel disbelief; only a person can.

Person vs. Object: Use 'incrédule' for the person (L'homme est incrédule) and 'incroyable' for the object (L'histoire est incroyable). Mixing these up is a classic learner's mistake.

Il est incrédule (Correct) vs. L'histoire est incrédule (Incorrect - should be 'incroyable').

Another common mistake is the confusion between 'incrédule' and 'sceptique'. While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. 'Sceptique' (skeptical) often implies a more permanent intellectual position or a methodological doubt. A scientist is 'sceptique' about a new theory until it is proven. 'Incrédule', on the other hand, is often more emotional and situational. It is the immediate reaction to something shocking. If you are 'incrédule' about a friend's story, it suggests you are stunned and finding it hard to process. If you are 'sceptique', it suggests you are actively looking for flaws in their story. Using 'sceptique' when you mean 'incrédule' can make you sound more cold and calculating than you intended.

Emotional vs. Intellectual: 'Incrédule' is the heart and eyes saying 'no way!', while 'sceptique' is the brain saying 'show me the evidence'. Choose the word that fits the level of emotion you want to convey.

Elle était incrédule en voyant le fantôme, pas simplement sceptique.

A third mistake involves the noun form 'incrédulité'. Learners sometimes try to use the adjective where the noun is required. For example, 'Il a montré son incrédule' is incorrect; it should be 'Il a montré son incrédulité' (He showed his incredulity/disbelief). Adjectives describe people; nouns describe concepts or states. Also, be careful with the pronunciation of the nasal 'in' at the beginning. If you pronounce it like the English 'in', it won't sound right to a native ear. It should be a nasal vowel, similar to the 'un' in 'un bon vin'. Finally, remember that 'incrédule' does not change for gender, but it does for number. Forgetting the 's' in the plural 'incrédules' is a common written error that can easily be avoided by double-checking your subject.

Son incrédulité (Noun) était évidente, mais il est resté poli.

Grammar Check: Always pair 'incrédule' with a human subject or a human-related noun like 'regard' or 'air'. Never use it for inanimate objects unless you are personifying them in a very creative way.

Ils sont incrédules face aux promesses du politicien.

Elle a secoué la tête, incrédule, en lisant les gros titres du journal.

To truly master the use of incrédule, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms, as each carries a slightly different flavor. The most direct synonym is sceptique, which we have already touched upon. While 'incrédule' is often an emotional reaction to the unexpected, 'sceptique' is a more intellectual stance. If you are 'sceptique' about a product's claims, you are being a cautious consumer. If you are 'incrédule' when you see the product actually perform a miracle, you are expressing shock. Another close relative is dubitatif. This word describes someone who is in a state of doubt or hesitation. It is less about 'not believing' and more about 'not being sure'. A 'regard dubitatif' suggests someone is weighing the pros and cons, while a 'regard incrédule' suggests they have already decided it's impossible.

Incrédule vs. Sceptique: Incrédule: 'I can't believe my eyes!' (Emotional/Shock). Sceptique: 'I need to see the data.' (Intellectual/Methodical).

Il était incrédule devant le tour de magie, mais sceptique quant à l'explication du magicien.

For more intense states of disbelief, you might use stupéfait (stupefied) or sidéré (flabbergasted). These words focus more on the physical and mental shock than the lack of belief itself. 'Sidéré' implies that the person is almost paralyzed by what they have seen. 'Incrédule' is more specific about the refusal of the mind to accept the reality. On the other end of the spectrum, we have méfiant (distrustful/suspicious). If you are 'méfiant', you are on your guard because you expect to be deceived. 'Incrédule' is what you become after the deception or the surprising event has occurred. In a literary context, you might also find incroyant. While this can be a synonym for 'incrédule' in a religious sense, it is more commonly used today to specifically mean someone who does not belong to a faith.

Incrédule vs. Dubitatif: Incrédule: 'This is impossible!' Dubitatif: 'I'm not entirely convinced this is true.'

Son air incrédule s'est transformé en un air dubitatif après quelques explications.

Finally, consider the antonyms. The most direct opposite is crédule (credulous/gullible). A 'crédule' person is someone who believes everything they are told without question. This is a very useful word to know alongside 'incrédule' as they form a perfect pair of opposites. Another antonym is convaincu (convinced) or persuadé (persuaded). These describe someone who has moved past doubt into a state of firm belief. By understanding these alternatives, you can precisely place 'incrédule' on the spectrum of human belief and doubt. It is that specific, often fleeting moment of 'no' in the face of a powerful 'yes' from reality. Whether you are reading a novel or discussing the news, recognizing these nuances will make your French much more expressive and accurate.

Antonym Comparison: Crédule: Believes too easily. Incrédule: Refuses to believe even with evidence. Convaincu: Believes because of evidence.

Elle n'est pas crédule; elle est au contraire très incrédule face aux promesses faciles.

Il est resté incrédule devant l'immensité de la tâche à accomplir.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The root 'cred' is also found in many financial terms like 'credit' and 'creditor'. This is because lending money requires 'belief' or 'trust' that the person will pay you back. So, if you are 'incrédule', you are essentially refusing to give 'credit' to a story!

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɛ̃.kʁe.dyl/

US /ɛ̃.kʁe.dyl/

In French, the stress is generally on the final syllable: in-cré-DULE.

Reimt sich auf

crédule ridicule molécule canicule pendule minuscule majuscule cellule

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'in' like the English word 'in'. It must be nasal.
Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' (in-kray-dool). It should be the French 'u'.
Adding a 'z' sound between syllables. It should be clean and crisp.
Missing the 'r' sound or making it too soft.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the last.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'incredulous'.

Schreiben 5/5

Requires care with plural agreement and not confusing it with 'incroyable'.

Sprechen 6/5

The nasal 'in' and French 'u' can be challenging for English speakers.

Hören 4/5

Usually clear in context, but can be confused with other nasal sounds.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

croire surpris regard vrai faux

Als Nächstes lernen

incrédulité sceptique dubitatif sidéré stupéfait

Fortgeschritten

agnosticisme empirisme mécréance discréditer crédibilité

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement

Les femmes sont incrédules (Add 's' for plural).

Nasal Vowels

The 'in' in 'incrédule' is a nasal vowel /ɛ̃/.

Position of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'un regard incrédule'.

Verbs of State

Often used with 'être', 'paraître', 'rester', 'sembler'.

Prepositional Phrases

Used with 'devant' or 'face à' to show the object of disbelief.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Il est incrédule devant le tour de magie.

He is incredulous at the magic trick.

Simple subject + verb 'être' + adjective.

Elle regarde son cadeau, incrédule.

She looks at her gift, incredulous.

The adjective follows the noun/pronoun it describes.

Je suis incrédule, c'est trop beau !

I am incredulous, it's too beautiful!

'Je suis' + adjective.

L'enfant est incrédule face au Père Noël.

The child is incredulous in front of Santa Claus.

Use 'face à' to show what causes the feeling.

Tu es incrédule ? C'est pourtant vrai !

Are you incredulous? It is nevertheless true!

Question form with 'être'.

Nous sommes incrédules, nous avons gagné !

We are incredulous, we won!

Plural form adds an 's'.

Le chat est incrédule devant le miroir.

The cat is incredulous in front of the mirror.

Adjectives can describe animals in stories.

Elle reste incrédule après la nouvelle.

She remains incredulous after the news.

Using 'rester' instead of 'être'.

Il a un air incrédule quand je parle.

He has a disbelieving look when I speak.

'Air' is a common noun modified by 'incrédule'.

Les élèves sont incrédules devant le professeur.

The students are incredulous in front of the teacher.

Plural agreement 'incrédules'.

Elle me regarde d'un air incrédule.

She looks at me with a disbelieving air.

Prepositional phrase 'd'un air...'.

Je reste incrédule, ce n'est pas possible.

I remain incredulous, it's not possible.

Expressing a persistent state.

Son sourire incrédule montre qu'il doute.

His incredulous smile shows that he doubts.

Adjective modifying 'sourire'.

Pourquoi es-tu si incrédule aujourd'hui ?

Why are you so incredulous today?

Use of 'si' for emphasis.

Ils sont restés incrédules tout l'après-midi.

They remained incredulous all afternoon.

Past tense 'sont restés'.

Même mon père est incrédule face à ce prix.

Even my father is incredulous at this price.

Using 'même' for emphasis.

Devant un tel succès, il demeure incrédule.

In the face of such success, he remains incredulous.

Use of 'demeurer' for a formal tone.

Elle a poussé un petit rire incrédule.

She let out a little incredulous laugh.

Modifying the noun 'rire'.

Le public, d'abord incrédule, a fini par applaudir.

The audience, at first incredulous, ended up applauding.

Appositive adjective set off by commas.

Je suis incrédule face à tant de mauvaise foi.

I am incredulous in the face of such bad faith.

'Face à' followed by an abstract noun.

Il m'a écouté d'une oreille incrédule.

He listened to me with a disbelieving ear.

Metaphorical use of 'oreille'.

Cette découverte laisse les scientifiques incrédules.

This discovery leaves scientists incredulous.

Verb 'laisser' + object + adjective.

Elle est restée incrédule devant la beauté du palais.

She remained incredulous at the beauty of the palace.

Positive context for disbelief.

Ne sois pas si incrédule, écoute mes explications.

Don't be so incredulous, listen to my explanations.

Imperative negative form.

Un esprit incrédule ne se laisse pas facilement convaincre.

An incredulous mind is not easily convinced.

Adjective describing a personality trait.

Elle a jeté un regard incrédule sur les ruines.

She cast an incredulous look upon the ruins.

Verb 'jeter' with 'regard'.

Malgré les preuves, il persiste à être incrédule.

Despite the evidence, he persists in being incredulous.

Use of 'persister à'.

Les témoins, encore incrédules, racontent la scène.

The witnesses, still incredulous, describe the scene.

Adverb 'encore' modifying the adjective.

Il a accueilli la nouvelle avec un silence incrédule.

He received the news with an incredulous silence.

Noun 'silence' modified by 'incrédule'.

Incrédule, elle relut le message plusieurs fois.

Incredulous, she reread the message several times.

Sentence-initial appositive for emphasis.

Sa réaction incrédule était tout à fait justifiée.

His incredulous reaction was entirely justified.

Adjective modifying the subject 'réaction'.

Il reste incrédule devant l'ampleur de la catastrophe.

He remains incredulous at the scale of the catastrophe.

Abstract noun 'ampleur'.

Le poète observe le monde d'un œil incrédule et amusé.

The poet observes the world with an incredulous and amused eye.

Double adjective modifying 'œil'.

Elle demeure incrédule face aux promesses électorales.

She remains incredulous in the face of election promises.

Political/formal context.

C'est un homme incrédule qui ne croit qu'à ce qu'il voit.

He is an incredulous man who only believes what he sees.

Defining a person's character.

Leur incrédulité était telle qu'ils n'ont pas bougé.

Their incredulity was such that they did not move.

Using the noun 'incrédulité' for impact.

Il a esquissé un geste incrédule de la main.

He made a slight incredulous gesture with his hand.

Modifying 'geste'.

L'histoire retiendra ce peuple incrédule devant son destin.

History will remember this people, incredulous before their destiny.

Literary/grandiose tone.

Elle a posé une question incrédule, presque provocatrice.

She asked an incredulous question, almost provocative.

Adjective modifying 'question'.

Nous vivons dans une époque incrédule et désabusée.

We live in an incredulous and disillusioned age.

Describing a time period or society.

L'incrédule Thomas exigea de toucher les plaies pour croire.

The incredulous Thomas demanded to touch the wounds to believe.

Using 'incrédule' as a substantive/epithet.

Son œuvre explore la tension entre l'âme dévote et l'esprit incrédule.

His work explores the tension between the devout soul and the incredulous mind.

Philosophical/Literary analysis.

Il fit mine d'être incrédule pour masquer sa propre surprise.

He pretended to be incredulous to hide his own surprise.

Idiom 'faire mine de'.

La critique, d'abord farouchement incrédule, a fini par s'incliner.

The critics, at first fiercely incredulous, finally gave in.

Adverb 'farouchement' modifying the adjective.

Elle a parcouru le document d'un regard incrédule et scrutateur.

She scanned the document with an incredulous and scrutinizing gaze.

Sophisticated descriptive adjectives.

Cette posture incrédule est devenue son armure contre la déception.

This incredulous posture has become his armor against disappointment.

Metaphorical usage.

L'incrédule ne nie pas forcément la vérité, il en diffère l'acceptation.

The incredulous person does not necessarily deny the truth; they defer its acceptance.

Aphoristic/Formal noun usage.

Rien ne semble pouvoir ébranler son air incrédule et blasé.

Nothing seems able to shake his incredulous and jaded air.

Complex verb construction 'ébranler son air'.

Häufige Kollokationen

un regard incrédule

rester incrédule

un air incrédule

un sourire incrédule

demeurer incrédule

une foule incrédule

un rire incrédule

totalement incrédule

un public incrédule

un témoignage incrédule

Häufige Phrasen

Je suis incrédule.

— I cannot believe what is happening or what I am hearing. It expresses deep shock.

Quand j'ai vu le prix, j'étais incrédule.

D'un air incrédule.

— Doing something while looking like you don't believe it. Usually used with verbs of looking or listening.

Il a secoué la tête d'un air incrédule.

Rester incrédule devant l'évidence.

— To refuse to believe something even when it is clearly true and right in front of you.

Comment peut-il rester incrédule devant l'évidence ?

Un silence incrédule.

— A silence that follows a shocking statement, showing that everyone is too stunned to speak.

Un silence incrédule a suivi son annonce.

Faire l'incrédule.

— To act as if one does not believe something, sometimes as a joke or a tactic.

Arrête de faire l'incrédule, tu sais que c'est vrai.

Un regard incrédule et fixe.

— A wide-eyed, unblinking look of total shock and disbelief.

Il gardait un regard incrédule et fixe sur l'accident.

Les plus incrédules.

— The people who are the hardest to convince or the most skeptical.

Même les plus incrédules ont été convaincus par sa démonstration.

Un petit rire incrédule.

— A short laugh that shows you think what someone said is impossible or a joke.

Elle a eu un petit rire incrédule en entendant la nouvelle.

Être d'un naturel incrédule.

— To have a personality that is naturally skeptical or hard to fool.

Il est d'un naturel incrédule, il vérifie tout.

Passer pour un incrédule.

— To be seen by others as someone who lacks faith or is too skeptical.

Je ne veux pas passer pour un incrédule, mais j'ai des doutes.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

incrédule vs incroyable

English speakers often use 'incredible' for both the person and the object. In French, 'incrédule' is only for the person.

incrédule vs sceptique

While similar, 'sceptique' is more about intellectual doubt, while 'incrédule' is more about emotional shock.

incrédule vs crédule

This is the opposite! A 'crédule' person believes everything, while an 'incrédule' person believes nothing.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Être comme Saint Thomas"

— To be like Saint Thomas, who needed to touch Jesus' wounds to believe he had risen. It means needing physical proof.

Il est comme Saint Thomas, il est très incrédule tant qu'il n'a pas vu.

common

"Ne croire que ce que l'on voit"

— To only believe what one sees with their own eyes. A classic expression of the incrédule mindset.

Je suis incrédule par nature, je ne crois que ce que je vois.

neutral

"Tomber des nues"

— To be extremely surprised or shocked, often resulting in an incrédule state.

Quand il a appris la vérité, il est tombé des nues, totalement incrédule.

informal

"En rester de glace"

— To remain unmoved, sometimes appearing incrédule or indifferent to shocking news.

Face à l'horreur, il est resté de glace, presque incrédule.

literary

"N'en pas croire ses yeux"

— To not believe one's eyes. This is the physical action of being incrédule.

Elle n'en croyait pas ses yeux, elle restait incrédule devant le trésor.

common

"N'en pas croire ses oreilles"

— To not believe one's ears. The auditory version of being incrédule.

Il n'en croyait pas ses oreilles, il était incrédule face à de tels propos.

common

"Rester pantois"

— To be left speechless and stunned, a common physical state of the incrédule.

L'annonce l'a laissé pantois et incrédule.

literary

"Avoir les bras m'en tombent"

— To be so shocked that one's arms 'fall off' (figuratively). Expresses total disbelief.

Les bras m'en tombent, je suis absolument incrédule !

informal

"C'est à n'y pas croire"

— It is unbelievable. Often said by someone who is incrédule.

Une telle chance, c'est à n'y pas croire, je suis incrédule.

neutral

"Être incrédule comme un mécréant"

— An old-fashioned way to say someone is as disbelieving as an infidel.

Il est incrédule comme un mécréant face à ces miracles.

archaic

Leicht verwechselbar

incrédule vs incroyant

Both relate to not believing.

Incroyant is specifically religious; incrédule is general disbelief or shock.

Il est incroyant car il ne va pas à l'église, mais il était incrédule devant le miracle.

incrédule vs indifférent

Both can involve a lack of reaction.

Indifférent means you don't care; incrédule means you care but don't believe.

Il n'est pas indifférent à la nouvelle, il est juste incrédule.

incrédule vs insensible

Both describe a lack of visible emotion.

Insensible means you don't feel; incrédule means you feel shock but refuse to believe.

Elle n'est pas insensible, elle est simplement incrédule face à l'horreur.

incrédule vs dubitatif

Both imply doubt.

Dubitatif is mild doubt or hesitation; incrédule is strong disbelief or shock.

Un regard dubitatif cherche une réponse; un regard incrédule rejette la réponse.

incrédule vs méfiant

Both involve not taking things at face value.

Méfiant is proactive suspicion; incrédule is reactive disbelief.

Je suis méfiant avec cet homme, donc je suis incrédule quand il me fait une promesse.

Satzmuster

Je suis + incrédule.

Je suis incrédule.

Il a un + [noun] + incrédule.

Il a un regard incrédule.

Rester incrédule devant + [noun].

Elle reste incrédule devant le résultat.

[Adjective], [Subject] + [Verb].

Incrédule, il écoutait l'histoire.

D'un air + incrédule.

Il me regardait d'un air incrédule.

Faire mine d'être + incrédule.

Il fit mine d'être incrédule.

Laisser quelqu'un + incrédule.

Cette nouvelle m'a laissé incrédule.

Être d'un naturel + incrédule.

Elle est d'un naturel incrédule.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

incrédulité (disbelief/incredulity)

crédulité (gullibility)

croyance (belief)

croyant (believer)

Verben

croire (to believe)

accréditer (to accredit)

discréditer (to discredit)

Adjektive

crédule (gullible)

incroyable (unbelievable)

crédible (credible)

Verwandt

crédit

créance

mécroyance

crédo

crédibilité

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So verwendest du es

frequency

It is a medium-frequency word, very common in literature and news, but slightly less common in very casual street slang.

Häufige Fehler

Cette nouvelle est incrédule. → Cette nouvelle est incroyable.
You cannot use 'incrédule' to describe an object or news. It only describes the person who feels the disbelief.
Je suis incroyant de ce que tu dis. → Je suis incrédule face à ce que tu dis.
'Incroyant' is usually for religious non-belief. 'Incrédule' is for general disbelief in a specific statement.
Elle est incrédulée. → Elle est incrédule.
Learners sometimes try to make it look like a past participle (like 'surprised'). 'Incrédule' is an adjective, not a verb form.
Ils sont incrédule. → Ils sont incrédules.
Don't forget the 's' for the plural form, even though the pronunciation stays the same.
Pronouncing the 'in' like English 'in'. → Pronouncing it as a nasal vowel /ɛ̃/.
The English 'in' sound doesn't exist in this word in French; it must be nasalized.

Tipps

Cognate Power

Use the English word 'incredulous' as a mental bridge. They share the same meaning and root, making 'incrédule' one of the easier B1 words to internalize. Just remember the French pronunciation is quite different!

Gender Neutrality

Since 'incrédule' already ends in 'e', you don't need to change it for feminine subjects. This is a great 'safe' word to use in conversation when you're unsure about adjective endings. Just keep it as it is!

Vary Your Verbs

Instead of always using 'il est incrédule', try 'il reste incrédule' or 'il demeure incrédule'. These verbs suggest that the person has seen the evidence but still can't believe it, which adds more depth to your writing.

The Nasal 'In'

Practice the nasal 'in' sound by saying 'un bon vin blanc'. The 'in' in 'incrédule' is the same sound. If you master this nasal vowel, your pronunciation of 'incrédule' will sound much more authentic to native speakers.

Person vs. Thing

Always check your subject. If you are describing a story, use 'incroyable'. If you are describing a person's reaction to that story, use 'incrédule'. This is the #1 mistake learners make, so double-check it every time!

The Appositive Start

For a more literary or dramatic effect, start your sentence with 'Incrédule, ...'. For example: 'Incrédule, elle regarda le billet de loterie.' This immediately tells the reader the character's emotion before describing their action.

Saint Thomas Reference

If you want to sound very French, you can call a very skeptical person 'un Saint Thomas'. This is a very common cultural reference to the 'incrédule' apostle and will impress your French friends.

Listen for the 'R'

In French, the 'r' in 'incrédule' is pronounced in the back of the throat. Listening for this specific 'r' sound can help you distinguish 'incrédule' from other similar-sounding words in fast speech.

The 'Cred' Root

Connect 'incrédule' to other 'cred' words you know: credit, credibility, incredible. They all relate to 'belief'. This 'root family' approach makes it much easier to expand your vocabulary quickly.

Use it for Shock

Save 'incrédule' for moments of true disbelief. If you use it for every small surprise, it loses its power. Use 'surpris' for small things and 'incrédule' for the big, life-changing shocks.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of the word 'incredible'. If something is incredible, it means you cannot believe it. If you cannot believe it, you are 'incrédule'. Both words come from the same 'cred' (believe) root.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a person wearing glasses on the tip of their nose, looking over them with one eyebrow raised and a mouth slightly open. This 'skeptical look' is the visual definition of 'incrédule'.

Word Web

croire incrédulité crédule incroyable sceptique doute choc vérité

Herausforderung

Try to use 'incrédule' in three different ways today: describe a friend's reaction, describe a news story you read, and describe how you felt when you learned a new French grammar rule!

Wortherkunft

The word 'incrédule' originates from the Latin word 'incredulus'. This Latin term is composed of the prefix 'in-' (meaning 'not') and the adjective 'credulus' (meaning 'believing' or 'trusting'). The root 'credere' means 'to believe' or 'to trust'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In Latin, 'incredulus' meant someone who does not believe easily or who is skeptical. It was often used in religious and philosophical contexts to describe those who doubted established truths.

It belongs to the Romance language family, specifically descending from Latin into Old French before becoming the modern French 'incrédule'.

Kultureller Kontext

While it can mean 'non-believer' in a religious sense, it is usually neutral. However, calling someone 'incrédule' in a religious context can sometimes be seen as slightly dismissive of their lack of faith.

English speakers often use 'incredulous' in similar ways, but 'incrédule' in French is perhaps more common in daily descriptions of facial expressions ('un regard incrédule').

The character of Saint Thomas in the Bible, known as 'l'Incrédule'. Albert Camus' works often feature characters who are incrédule towards the meaning of life. The French film 'Le Dîner de Cons' features moments of hilarious incredulity.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Reacting to a magic trick

C'est incroyable !
Je suis incrédule.
Comment a-t-il fait ?
Je n'en crois pas mes yeux.

Hearing a shocking news story

Tu es sérieux ?
Je reste incrédule.
C'est dur à croire.
Quelle nouvelle surprenante !

Winning a prize

C'est vraiment moi ?
Je suis totalement incrédule.
Je ne réalise pas encore.
C'est un rêve !

In a philosophical debate

Je suis sceptique.
Votre argument me laisse incrédule.
Il faut des preuves.
Je doute de cette théorie.

Describing a skeptical person

Il est très incrédule.
Il ne croit rien.
Il a un esprit critique.
Il est comme Saint Thomas.

Gesprächseinstiege

"As-tu déjà été totalement incrédule face à une nouvelle à la télévision ?"

"Pourquoi penses-tu que certaines personnes sont naturellement plus incrédules que d'autres ?"

"Est-ce que tu es plutôt crédule ou incrédule quand tu lis des informations sur internet ?"

"Quelle est la chose la plus incroyable qui t'ait laissé incrédule récemment ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il est bon d'être incrédule dans le monde d'aujourd'hui ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décris une situation où tu es resté incrédule. Qu'est-ce qui s'est passé et comment as-tu réagi ?

Penses-tu que l'incrédulité est une force ou une faiblesse dans une relation amicale ?

Écris une courte histoire sur un personnage qui est tellement incrédule qu'il ne croit même pas à sa propre existence.

Compare les mots 'incrédule' et 'sceptique'. Lequel te correspond le mieux et pourquoi ?

Imagine la réaction incrédule d'une personne du Moyen Âge qui voyagerait dans le temps jusqu'à aujourd'hui.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'incrédule' is an adjective that ends in 'e' in its base form, so it remains the same for both masculine and feminine subjects. For example, you would say 'Il est incrédule' and 'Elle est incrédule'. This makes it one of the easier adjectives to remember in French. You only need to change it for the plural form.

The plural is 'incrédules'. You simply add an 's' to the end. This applies to both masculine and feminine plural subjects. For example, 'Ils sont incrédules' or 'Elles sont incrédules'. Always remember to check the subject of your sentence to see if you need that 's' at the end.

No, you should not use 'incrédule' to describe an object or a movie. 'Incrédule' describes the person who is watching the movie. If the movie is hard to believe, you would call it 'incroyable'. If you are watching the movie and you can't believe what's happening, then *you* are 'incrédule'. This is a very important distinction to make.

Not necessarily. While it can imply stubbornness or a lack of faith, it is often used neutrally to describe a natural reaction to something shocking. In many cases, being 'incrédule' is seen as a sign of having a good 'esprit critique' (critical mind) and not being easily fooled. It depends entirely on the context of the sentence.

The 'in' is a nasal vowel, pronounced /ɛ̃/. It sounds similar to the 'ain' in the French word 'pain' or the 'in' in 'vin'. To make this sound, you should not let the tip of your tongue touch the roof of your mouth for the 'n'. Instead, the air should flow through both your nose and mouth. It is very different from the English word 'in'.

They are both used in neutral and formal French, but 'incrédule' often feels a bit more descriptive and emotional. 'Sceptique' is more common in scientific or logical discussions. If you want to describe a look on someone's face, 'un regard incrédule' is more common and evocative than 'un regard sceptique'. Both are good words to know.

The noun form is 'l'incrédulité'. It is a feminine noun. For example, you can say 'Son incrédulité était visible' (His disbelief was visible). You can also use 'un incrédule' to refer to a person who doesn't believe, but this is more common in literary or religious contexts. Most of the time, you will use the adjective form.

Historically, yes, it was used to describe someone who did not believe in God. However, in modern French, 'athée' or 'non-croyant' are much more specific and common terms for atheism. Today, 'incrédule' is mostly used for general disbelief or shock, though the religious nuance still exists in literature.

The most common verbs are 'être' (to be), 'rester' (to remain), 'demeurer' (to remain), 'paraître' (to appear), and 'sembler' (to seem). You will also see it with 'laisser' in the construction 'laisser quelqu'un incrédule' (to leave someone incredulous). These verbs help show that the state of disbelief is a reaction to something.

They are related but different. 'Choqué' (shocked) is a broader term for any strong emotional reaction to something unexpected. 'Incrédule' is more specific: it means the shock comes from the fact that you *cannot believe* it is true. You can be 'choqué' by someone's rudeness without being 'incrédule'.

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