What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shock
Example
I was in shock when I heard the news of the accident. [shock: noun]
Example
The audience was shocked by the sudden plot twist in the movie. [shocked: adjective]
disbelief
Example
I was in disbelief when I found out I had won the lottery. [disbelief: noun]
Example
She looked at him in disbelief when he told her he had never heard of the Beatles. [disbelief: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shock is more commonly used than disbelief in everyday language, especially in the context of traumatic or life-changing events. Disbelief is less common and tends to be used in more formal or academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shock and disbelief?
While shock can be used in both formal and informal contexts, disbelief is more formal and tends to be used in academic or professional settings.
