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unbelief

unbelief

6 7.5
Not accepting religious ideas about gods
  • noun
  • /ˌʌnˈbɪlif/
translation icon : incredulidad
  • But when Jesus perceived unbelief on their part, he said, "Who will be my helpers in Allah's way?"
  • belief and unbelief

But like unbelief, like caring, huge heart brings massive value.

Examples

  • Many people struggle with unbelief when faced with life's unanswered questions.

  • But of course, in their unbelief, they had no comprehension of God's power.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Have I helped your unbelief?

  • Is morality, unbelief in good and evil still of any value to us?

  • He does not know the terrible depth of my unbelief.

  • If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?

    Blog text (26)
  • Biblical counselors focus on the patterns of belief or unbelief that motivate behavior.

    Blog text (34)
  • Only the miracle of a divine appearance pulls Thomas from the abyss of unbelief when he responds with "my Lord and my God."

    Academic text (2008)
  • His constant unbelief made it difficult for him to find peace in religion.

  • The author explores the theme of unbelief in his latest novel, questioning faith and trust.

Synonyms

atheism
vsunbelief
198 5.8

To not believe that God or gods exist

is lack or rejection of faith rather than positive disbelief claim
disbelief
vsunbelief
86 3.0

A feeling when you do not think something is true

is specific to religious absence or refusal rather than general doubt
godlessness
vsunbelief
2 8.3

A lack of belief in God or religion

is broader covering lack of general religious faith or trust
nonbelief
vsunbelief
1 6.7

A lack of belief in God or other religious ideas

is refusal or rejection rather than mere absence
irreligion
vsunbelief
1 9.5

Not following or believing in any religion

focuses on personal lack of religious faith rather than public opposition
irreligiousness
vsunbelief
9.3

The state of not believing in God or following a religion

emphasizes absence of trust rather than active rejection
irreligiosity
vsunbelief
9.5

A lack of religious belief or practice

highlights refusal or rejection rather than simple indifference
unfaith
vsunbelief
  • Archaic
9.9

Lack of belief in religious or moral ideas

is about absence or rejection of trust specifically in religion
nonreligion
vsunbelief
8.2

Belief that religion should be kept out of government and public life

is private lack of faith or trust rather than active public opposition

Antonyms

1.1

A feeling that something is true even without proof

1.4

Complete trust in a person, plan, or thing

How Believing

faith
118 1.8
belief
1.1
doubt
1.6
agnosticism
4 8.2
unbelief
6 7.5
atheism
198 5.8

Surface Forms

unbelief singular
unbeliefs plural

Morphology

unbelief = belief (transparent) = un + belief + un

The meaning is a straightforward negation of 'belief' using the productive negative prefix 'un-'.

Etymology

Unbelief is simply made from the prefix un- ('not') and belief, which comes from 'believe' and means 'trust' or 'faith'. So unbelief literally means 'not believing' and is used for having no or refusing religious faith.