What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incredulity
Example
She looked at him with incredulity when he told her he won the lottery. [incredulity: noun]
Example
He received the news with incredulity, unable to believe what he was hearing. [incredulity: noun]
skepticism
Example
The scientist approached the new theory with skepticism until it was proven through experimentation. [skepticism: noun]
Example
She was skeptical of his claims, asking for evidence to support his argument. [skeptical: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Skepticism is more commonly used than incredulity in everyday language. Skepticism is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while incredulity is less common and may be limited to certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incredulity and skepticism?
Both incredulity and skepticism can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, skepticism is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both academic and casual settings.