skepticism
SKEP-tih-siz-um
/ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/
An attitude of doubt or a disposition toward incredulity, requiring rigorous evidence before accepting claims as true.
Skepticism is an active analytical tool. It differs from cynicism because skepticism is open to being persuaded by valid empirical proof.
The story behind the word. Traces back to the ancient Greek Pyrrhonist philosophers called 'Skeptikoi'. Unlike Dogmatists who claimed to hold absolute truth, the Skeptics were literally 'examiners' or 'inquirers' who believed human wisdom required continuous testing and questioning.
Word relationships
- incredulity: State of being unwilling or unable to believe something immediately.
- dubiousness: Hesitation or doubt about the truth or outcome of something.
- credulity: A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true.
- gullibility: Easiness to be tricked or cheated.
Commonly confused with
- cynicism: Skepticism demands proof before believing; cynicism assumes human actions are purely motivated by selfishness.
Word family
- skeptic (noun): A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
- skeptical (adjective): Not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.
Collocations
- healthy skepticism
- treat with skepticism
- express skepticism
- growing skepticism
Idioms & expressions
- take with a grain of salt
- show-me attitude
Example sentences
- "Healthy skepticism is essential in scientific research, ensuring that new claims are tested before being accepted." Scientific Method
- "Developing digital skepticism allows consumers to spot sensational headlines before sharing them online." Media Literacy
Memory hook
A SKEPTIC puts on SPECTACLES to inspect the facts closely. Demanding proof before accepting claims.
When not to use
Do not confuse with cynicism, which assumes bad motives without caring about evidence.
Fun facts
- In British English, the word is spelled 'scepticism', but pronounced identically with a hard 'k' sound.
Related words
Explore more words
skeptic, cynical, credulous, questioning, incredulous, inquiry
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