ScienceJuly 15, 2026
incredulity
/ˌɪn.krəˈduː.lə.t̬i/
Definition
The state of being unwilling or unable to believe something; a feeling of disbelief or skepticism toward an idea or claim.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'incredulitas', combining 'in-' (not) and 'credere' (to believe). It entered English in the late 16th century to describe the quality of being skeptical or disbelieving.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe how traditionally 'educated' people would express disbelief at the scientific illiteracy of others, highlighting the divide between scientific and humanist cultures.
Tell us what science you need to know to be ‘cultured’
Read the full article ↗Physics World