INCREDIBLY meaning and definition

Reading time: 2-3 minutes

Unbelievably Amazing: What Does "Incredibly" Mean?

When we say something is "incredible," we're implying that it's so remarkable, extraordinary, or impressive that it defies explanation. But what exactly does the word "incredibly" convey?

To understand the meaning of "incredibly," let's take a step back in time to ancient Greece, where the word originates. In Latin, the precursor language to many modern tongues, "incredibilis" meant "not to be believed." This phrase referred to something that was so remarkable or astonishing that it would have been impossible for anyone to believe it unless they had witnessed it firsthand.

In modern English, "incredibly" has evolved to mean not only "not believable" but also "remarkably great" or "extraordinarily good." When we say an experience, event, or achievement is incredibly something (e.g., incredible, incredible views, or incredibly talented), we're expressing our amazement and surprise at how exceptional it is.

So, what makes something incredibly something? Here are a few key factors:

1. Surprise: Incredibly often implies that an outcome was unexpected or unlikely. When we say an event was incredibly surprising, we mean that it went against all expectations.
2. Scale: Incredible things tend to be on a grand scale, either in terms of size, scope, or impact. Think of something like the incredible beauty of a vast canyon system or the incredible complexity of a new scientific discovery.
3. Impact: When something is incredibly impressive, it often leaves us feeling awestruck or inspired. We might say that an artist's performance was incredibly moving, conveying that it had a profound emotional impact on us.

To illustrate this concept further, consider these examples:

• "The incredible beauty of the Grand Canyon left me breathless." (Here, we're emphasizing the scale and impact of the natural wonder.)
• "I couldn't believe the incredible talent displayed by the young pianist. She was only 12 years old!" (In this case, we're highlighting both the surprise and the exceptional skill.)

In conclusion, when we describe something as incredibly something, we're expressing our amazement at its exceptional nature. Whether it's a remarkable achievement, an extraordinary event, or an awe-inspiring natural wonder, "incredibly" conveys that it has exceeded our expectations in some way.

So, the next time you find yourself saying, "Wow, that was incredibly [insert adjective here]!", remember that you're acknowledging something truly remarkable – and deserving of attention.

Read more:

• The Meaning of Hymn: Exploring the Spiritual and Emotional Power of Sacred Song
• The Power of Reclamation: What It Means and Why It Matters
• Unpacking the Meaning of "Real" in Today's World
• Unraveling the Mystery of "Networks There": A Guide to Understanding Network Architecture
• Uncovering the Truth Behind "Acted" in Insurance and Claims
• The Power of Namelessness: Unpacking the Concept
• Unpacking the Meaning of "Pa": A Cultural Exploration
• The Complex Concept of Stepmothers: Understanding the Role and Challenges
• The Meaning Behind Headbands: A Symbol of Identity, Expression, and Community
• What Does Psychoanalyst Mean?