Imagine someone telling you an extremely unlikely story, and you (not the reliable type) express skepticism – can you not believe and story amazing, is there any other way? You’ll be happy to know that in this case there’s a fairly simple answer, at least according to current usage; you are not believe (“skeptic”) and the story is amazing (“too extraordinary and unbelievable”).
The Origin of ‘Unbelievable’ and ‘Unbelievable’
Both words have a shorter version that precedes them; not believe has been used before by gullible (“willingness to believe particularly in small or uncertain evidence”), such as amazing By reliable (“gives reasonable grounds to believe”). Amazing is the older of the two words, used in English since the 15th century. Not believe was used in the second half of the 16th century, and in its first use it meant “not wanting to admit or accept what is put forward as true”.
He will be naturally simple, erudite and wise, but not unruly, very cynical and hard to believe.— Richard Roussat, The most amazing, profitable and interesting book by the famous doctor and astrologer Arcandain1562
However, in the early 17th century, some writers began to use not believe in a way that is synonymous with amazing (“so extraordinary and unbelievable”.
Why everything is tied together, there is no drama of hesitation, no hesitation of hesitation, no obstacles, no suspicious circumstances or safety.—William Shakespeare, Twelfth night1623
This expanded meaning of not believe fell into disuse in the late 18th century, although it appears to be improving in recent decades. It is not uncommon to find this usage in print, although in many cases it appears in speech reprints.
She finds it hard to believe that a successful goal on the field means that she and the other fans “must be playing well.”—Richard Sandomir, New York TimesDecember 12, 2007
Mr Blackford described the decision as “absolutely unbelievable” and called on UK Immigration Minister James Brokenshire to rethink.— Alexandra Sims, independence (London, UK), May 30, 2016
This use not believe is still considered a bug by many. You should use amazing means ‘too weird to be believed’ and not believe means ‘sceptic.’ Unless you are writing Shakespearean fanfics, in which case you can use not believe however you want.
Categories: Usage Notes
Source: vothisaucamau.edu.vn
