According to the prefix “in-” which of the following words defines “incredulous”?
A.
Convinced
B.
Disbelieving
C.
Sympathetic
D.
Weary
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Disbelieving.
The prefix “in-” often denotes a negative or opposite force in English. In the case of the word “incredulous,” the prefix “in-” is used to convey the idea of disbelief or skepticism. Here’s a breakdown of the term and its usage:
- Understanding the Prefix “In-“: The prefix “in-” can mean “not” or “into,” depending on the context. When used to modify an adjective, “in-” typically means “not” or “without.” This is evident in words like “insecure” (not secure) or “invisible” (not visible).
- The Root Word: The root word in “incredulous” is “credulous,” which is derived from “credulity,” meaning a tendency to believe something too readily. “Credulous” itself comes from the Latin word “credulus,” which means “believing” or “trusting.”
- Combining Prefix and Root: Adding the prefix “in-” to “credulous” results in “incredulous,” which effectively means “not credulous” or “not believing.” Therefore, “incredulous” describes a state of skepticism or doubt, where one finds it difficult to believe something.
- Meaning of “Incredulous”: When someone is described as incredulous, they are expressing disbelief or skepticism. For example, if someone hears an implausible story and reacts with incredulity, they are showing doubt or lack of belief in the story’s truth.
- Examples in Usage:
- If you tell an unbelievable tale and someone responds with an incredulous look, they are essentially saying they find your story hard to believe.
- “The scientist was incredulous when he heard the unverified claims of the experiment’s success.”
In summary, “incredulous” aligns with the idea of being “disbelieving” rather than being convinced, sympathetic, or weary. The prefix “in-” transforms the root word “credulous” to express skepticism or a lack of belief.