In 15 Seconds
- Use it for things that are truly, undeniably mind-blowing.
- It sounds more sophisticated and elegant than just saying 'cool'.
- Perfect for expressing high-level amazement in professional or social settings.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe something that is absolutely, undeniably unbelievable or mind-blowing. It combines a sense of certainty with a feeling of pure shock or amazement.
Key Examples
3 of 6Tasting a world-class dessert
Ce soufflé est assurément incrédible.
This soufflé is assuredly incredible.
Reacting to a friend's wild travel story
Ton périple en Amazonie est assurément incrédible !
Your journey through the Amazon is assuredly incredible!
Discussing record-breaking business results
Ces chiffres de vente sont assurément incrédibles pour un premier trimestre.
These sales figures are assuredly incredible for a first quarter.
Cultural Background
In France, using rare words like 'incrédible' is often seen as a sign of 'culture générale' (general knowledge) and is respected in professional circles. In Quebec, the influence of English is stronger, so 'incrédible' might be perceived more as an anglicism than a literary choice. Use 'incroyable' to be safe. Belgian French often retains more formal or archaic structures in administrative contexts, where 'assurément incrédible' might appear in official reports. Swiss French (Romand) values precision. 'Assurément' is frequently used to provide clear logical markers in debate.
The 'Anglicism' Trap
Be careful! Many French speakers will think you are just mispronouncing 'incredible' from English. Only use this if your French is otherwise perfect to show it's a choice, not a mistake.
Gender Agreement
Even though 'incrédible' ends in 'e', don't forget the 's' for plural nouns. 'Des faits assurément incrédibles'.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it for things that are truly, undeniably mind-blowing.
- It sounds more sophisticated and elegant than just saying 'cool'.
- Perfect for expressing high-level amazement in professional or social settings.
What It Means
Assurément incrédible is your go-to phrase for the truly jaw-dropping. It means something is so wild that you can't even process it. You are essentially saying, "Without a doubt, this is impossible to believe." It packs more punch than a simple c'est incroyable because of that first word. It adds a layer of conviction to your disbelief. Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a double-take.
How To Use It
Use it as a standalone reaction or to describe a specific event. You can drop it into a conversation when someone tells you a crazy story. It works perfectly as a predicate after c'est. For example, C'est assurément incrédible ! It sounds a bit more sophisticated than basic slang. It shows you have a refined vocabulary but still have strong feelings. Don't overthink the grammar; it's a fixed block of emotion.
When To Use It
You'll want this when you see something spectacular. Use it at a restaurant when the food is life-changing. Use it when a friend tells you they won the lottery. It’s great for texting after a wild night out. It also fits well in a professional setting when a project succeeds beyond expectations. It’s the perfect "wow" for someone who wants to sound elegant.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this for small, everyday things. Don't use it because your bus arrived on time. That would sound sarcastic or just plain weird. Also, avoid it in very somber or tragic situations. It carries a tone of wonder and amazement, not grief. If someone tells you they lost their keys, this is too dramatic. Keep it for the big, shiny moments of life.
Cultural Background
French speakers love to emphasize their opinions with strong adverbs. Assurément is an old-school, classy way to say "definitely." It feels a bit like something out of a classic novel. Combining it with incrédible creates a bridge between traditional elegance and modern surprise. It reflects the French tendency to be both skeptical and deeply passionate at the same time. It’s a very "Parisian" way to express awe.
Common Variations
You might hear people say tout à fait incroyable for a similar vibe. Some might use vraiment incroyable if they are feeling less formal. If you want to sound more modern, you might just say c'est ouf. However, assurément incrédible remains the choice for the eloquent speaker. It has a rhythmic flow that makes it satisfying to say out loud. Try to linger on the ss sound for extra effect.
Usage Notes
This is a B2-level collocation. It sits in the formal to neutral register. It is perfect for adding emphasis without resorting to slang, making it ideal for professional praise or high-end social settings.
The 'Anglicism' Trap
Be careful! Many French speakers will think you are just mispronouncing 'incredible' from English. Only use this if your French is otherwise perfect to show it's a choice, not a mistake.
Gender Agreement
Even though 'incrédible' ends in 'e', don't forget the 's' for plural nouns. 'Des faits assurément incrédibles'.
The 'Ouf' Alternative
If you are with friends, never use this phrase. Use 'C'est ouf' (verlan for 'fou') to sound natural.
Examples
6Ce soufflé est assurément incrédible.
This soufflé is assuredly incredible.
Using it here shows high appreciation for the chef's skill.
Ton périple en Amazonie est assurément incrédible !
Your journey through the Amazon is assuredly incredible!
Expresses genuine awe at their adventure.
Ces chiffres de vente sont assurément incrédibles pour un premier trimestre.
These sales figures are assuredly incredible for a first quarter.
Professional but high-energy praise.
J'ai vu Zidane à la boulangerie ! Assurément incrédible !
I saw Zidane at the bakery! Assuredly incredible!
Short, punchy reaction for a text message.
Ton excuse pour le retard est assurément incrédible.
Your excuse for being late is assuredly incredible.
The formality of the phrase highlights the absurdity of the lie.
Regarde ces couleurs, c'est assurément incrédible.
Look at those colors, it is assuredly incredible.
Captures a moment of pure aesthetic wonder.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
Cette découverte scientifique est ________ ________.
The noun 'découverte' is feminine singular, but 'incrédible' ends in 'e' for both genders. 'Incrédule' is for people.
Which sentence uses the phrase in the correct register?
Select the best option:
The phrase is formal and fits an audit report better than a pizza or slang conversation.
Match the French phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Matching register and meaning is key.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
Journaliste: 'Le candidat a obtenu 99% des voix.' Expert: '________'
An expert in a news setting would use formal, emphatic language.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCette découverte scientifique est ________ ________.
The noun 'découverte' is feminine singular, but 'incrédible' ends in 'e' for both genders. 'Incrédule' is for people.
Select the best option:
The phrase is formal and fits an audit report better than a pizza or slang conversation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching register and meaning is key.
Journaliste: 'Le candidat a obtenu 99% des voix.' Expert: '________'
An expert in a news setting would use formal, emphatic language.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is an old and formal word found in dictionaries like Littré, though 'incroyable' is much more common today.
Only if you are being ironic or very dramatic with a close friend who appreciates formal language.
'Incroyable' is the standard word. 'Incrédible' is a formal, Latinate variant that adds a scholarly or rhetorical tone.
Yes, it means 'certainly' or 'undoubtedly' and is used to reinforce the truth of what you are saying.
'Très incroyable' is actually considered poor style in French (like saying 'very unique'). 'Assurément' is a better way to add emphasis.
Related Phrases
à n'en pas douter
similarwithout a doubt
incrédule
contrastskeptical (person)
inouï
synonymunheard of
invraisemblable
similarimplausible