incredible

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   So extraordinary or unlikely that it is difficult to believe.

   Grammar: Common pattern: It is incredible that...; literal use questions belief.

   Patterns

   • incredible that
   • an incredible story
   • incredible to someone

   It is incredible that the bridge survived the flood.

   She told an incredible story about finding the letter in a book.

2. 2adjectivecomparableinformal

   Extremely good, impressive, or enjoyable.

   Grammar: Informal; often means very good rather than hard to believe.

   Patterns

   • absolutely incredible
   • an incredible view
   • incredible news

   The view from the ridge was absolutely incredible.

   He did an incredible job organizing the fundraiser.

Word forms

Common combinations

absolutely incredible

The rescue was absolutely incredible to watch.

incredible story

The reporter checked every incredible story before printing it.

incredible achievement

Finishing the marathon was an incredible achievement.

incredible speed

The new train travels at incredible speed.

Synonyms and how they differ

unbelievable

Unbelievable is closer to literal doubt; incredible is often praise in casual speech.

amazing

Amazing is positive and common; incredible can be negative when something seems untrue.

extraordinary

Extraordinary is neutral and formal; incredible often adds surprise or praise.

astonishing

Astonishing emphasizes shock or wonder, not necessarily approval.

Opposites

Word family

incredibly adverb

unbelievably; also very in informal use

credible adjective

able to be believed

incredulous adjective

unwilling or unable to believe something

Commonly confused: incredible or incredulous? incredible or credible?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “incredible”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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