require suspension of disbelief
/rɪˈkwaɪər səˈspɛnʃn əv ˌdɪsbɪˈliːf/
Meaning
This expression refers to the necessity of an audience to temporarily accept unrealistic, impossible, or illogical elements in a story for the sake of enjoyment. When a work requires this, viewers must ignore their critical thinking and accept the fictional world's rules.
Examples
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Superhero movies always require suspension of disbelief, but this latest sequel takes it to an extreme.
Superhero movies always require suspension of disbelief, but this latest sequel takes it to an extreme.
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The plot twist was so absurd that it required a massive suspension of disbelief from the audience.
The plot twist was so absurd that it required a massive suspension of disbelief from the audience.
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Sci-fi novels often require suspension of disbelief regarding the laws of physics.
Sci-fi novels often require suspension of disbelief regarding the laws of physics.
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The magic system in the fantasy series is complex and requires suspension of disbelief.
The magic system in the fantasy series is complex and requires suspension of disbelief.
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Most soap operas require suspension of disbelief because characters survive so many bizarre accidents.
Most soap operas require suspension of disbelief because characters survive so many bizarre accidents.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The movie requires suspension of unbelief.
✓ The movie requires suspension of disbelief.
The standard literary and critical term is 'disbelief', not 'unbelief'.
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✗ It requires a suspension for disbelief to enjoy fantasy.
✓ It requires suspension of disbelief to enjoy fantasy.
The preposition used in this set phrase is 'of', not 'for'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Time travel stories always ________, but this film manages to make it feel grounded.
💡 Use the plural/base form of the verb.
Show answer
require suspension of disbelief
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The action scenes were fun, even though they ________ a lot of ________.
💡 Use the past tense form of the verb.
Show answer
required suspension of disbelief