disbelieving gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disbelieving gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that conveys skepticism or doubt about something being observed or stated. Example: "She met his disbelieving gaze, unsure if she should continue with her explanation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Fiction

General Conversation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Neal also startled by the thought of the future, giddy and besotted and disbelieving, as he opened his hand to the gaze of the woman with bright streaks in her hair.

The New Yorker

She ran, crisscrossing, disbelieving.

The New York Times - Books

I must look disbelieving.

The Guardian

Virginians are less disbelieving.

The Guardian - Opinion

Afterwards he appeared disbelieving.

The Guardian - Sport

I looked up, disbelieving.

The New York Times - Magazine

They were stunned, disbelieving".

The New York Times

The train dragging me, disbelieving.

The New Yorker

Read on and be disbelieving!

The New Yorker

"You slept?" he said, disbelieving.

The New Yorker

I look at him, disbelieving.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "disbelieving gaze" to vividly portray a character's skepticism or incredulity, adding depth to your narrative. It's more impactful than simply stating someone is disbelieving.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly describing characters' gazes as "disbelieving". Vary your descriptions with other expressions or actions to prevent monotony. For instance, use internal monologue to convey the character's thoughts or describe their fidgeting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disbelieving gaze" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence. It serves to modify a noun (typically a person) by attributing a quality to their gaze, denoting skepticism or incredulity, supported by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Fiction

25%

General Conversation

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disbelieving gaze" is grammatically sound and serves as a descriptive element, effectively conveying skepticism or doubt through one's expression. According to Ludwig, while absent from the exact examples, its structure allows for use in diverse contexts, typically within news, fiction, and general conversation. Alternative phrases like "skeptical look" or "doubtful stare" can be employed for variety. When using the phrase, it's best to vary descriptions and avoid overuse, to maintain engaging and evocative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Skeptical look

Replaces "disbelieving" with "skeptical", focusing on the doubt aspect.

Doubtful stare

Uses "doubtful" and "stare" to convey a similar lack of belief.

Incredulous expression

Shifts from gaze to expression, emphasizing disbelief.

Unconvinced look

Highlights the lack of conviction in the gaze.

Dubious glance

Emphasizes uncertainty and hesitation in the look.

Skeptical expression

More generic than gaze, but still implies doubt.

Questioning look

Focuses on inquiry and uncertainty.

Distrustful gaze

Conveys a lack of trust or confidence.

Cynical expression

Implies a pessimistic disbelief.

Suspicious stare

Highlights a sense of mistrust and wariness.

FAQs

How can I use "disbelieving gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "disbelieving gaze" to describe someone's expression when they find something hard to believe. For example: "She met his disbelieving gaze, unsure if she should continue with her explanation."

What are some alternatives to "disbelieving gaze"?

You can use alternatives like "skeptical look", "doubtful stare", or "incredulous expression" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "disbelieving gaze" formal or informal?

"Disbelieving gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the formal due to its descriptive nature. More informal alternatives exist.

What does it mean to have a "disbelieving gaze"?

To have a "disbelieving gaze" means to look at someone or something with an expression that shows you do not believe what you are seeing or hearing. It implies skepticism and doubt.