Incredible
/ɪnˈkrɛdəbəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsSo extraordinary as to seem impossible.
/ɪnˈkrɛdəbəl/
Difficult or impossible to believe
The view from the mountaintop was incredible.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend tells you about a magical creature that can fly and talk. If you think it's really hard to believe, you might say their story is incredible, meaning it's amazing and possibly not real.
👶 For kids: When something is so amazing that it's hard to believe it could really happen.
More Examples
The magician performed an incredible trick.
The advancements in technology are incredible.
How It's Used
"The news was so incredible, I didn't believe it at first."
"The athlete's performance was an incredible feat of athleticism."
Causing astonishment or wonder.
/ɪnˈkrɛdəbəl/
Difficult to believe because of how impressive it is.
The concert was an incredible experience.
💡 Simply: When something is incredibly good, exciting, and impressive, it can make you say "wow!". Like the art of a famous artist.
👶 For kids: When something is super duper awesome and makes you say 'wow!'.
More Examples
The skill of the chef in preparing that dish was incredible.
The rescue was an incredible feat of bravery.
How It's Used
"Her speed was incredible; she broke the record!"
"The detail in the painting was incredible."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Incredible Hulk
A person or thing that is very strong or powerful.
"The new linebacker on the team is an Incredible Hulk on the field."
From Latin 'incredibilis,' meaning 'unbelievable,' from 'in-' (not) + 'credibilis' (credible, believable).
The word 'incredible' has been used since the late 16th century, reflecting the increasing interest in scientific observations and the need to express amazement at new discoveries.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'credit'. If something is INCREDIBLE, it's beyond what you can give 'credit' to as real.
Word Origin
"Believable, credible"