increible

Increíble is a Spanish adjective meaning "incredible," "unbelievable," or "extraordinary." It describes something that provokes astonishment or seems difficult to believe, and it is commonly used to emphasize positive or remarkable qualities in people, events, objects, or experiences. In everyday speech, it can also function as a strong intensifier.

Etymology and meaning: The word derives from in- (a negating prefix) and creíble (credible), with its ultimate origin in Latin incredibilis, from credere "to believe." The literal sense is "not able to be believed." As with many Spanish adjectives, its meaning has broadened to cover extraordinary or remarkable rather than strictly unbelievable.

Spelling and usage: The standard Spanish spelling is increíble, with an acute accent on the í. The form increible without the accent is considered incorrect in formal Spanish. The accent marks the stress on the word as required by Spanish orthography. The adjective can be used before or after the noun: una historia increíble, un logro increíble. The adverbial form is increíblemente, meaning "incredibly."

Related terms and notes: Related words include creíble (credible) and incredulidad (incredulity). In various Spanish-language media, titles or expressions may use incréible to convey emphasis, sometimes appearing in colloquial or stylized contexts.

See also: Creíble; Increíblemente; Credible in other languages.