can't believe

verb
UK: /kɑːnt bɪˈliːv/
US: /kænt bɪˈliːv/

  1. Used to express disbelief or surprise about something.

    1. I can't believe how quickly the time has passed. [ ] [ ]
    2. She said she's quitting her job; I just can't believe it after all this time. [ ] [ ]

  2. Used to express shock or amazement at something, often negative.

    1. I can't believe he would say something like that. [ ] [ ]
    2. They lost the game? I absolutely can't believe they could throw away such a lead. [ ] [ ]

  3. Used to express strong disapproval or disagreement.

    1. I can't believe you went out without telling me. [ ] [ ]
    2. You spent all our savings? I can't believe you would be so irresponsible with our money. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

astonishment doubt amazement question disbelieve
can't believe interjection

  1. Expressing disbelief, surprise, or shock.

    1. Can't believe she won, it was very unexpected. [ ] [ ]
    2. A can't believe moment when they announced the winner of the competition. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "can't believe" in English means: Used to express disbelief or surprise about something., Used to express shock or amazement at something, often negative., Used to express strong disapproval or disagreement..

The phonetic transcription of "can't believe" is /kɑːnt bɪˈliːv/ in British English and /kænt bɪˈliːv/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "can't believe": astonishment, doubt, amazement, question, disbelieve.

Example usage of "can't believe": "I can't believe how quickly the time has passed.". More examples on the page.