skepticism
SKEP-tih-siz-um
/ˈskep.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/
An attitude of doubt or disposition toward incredulity, requiring empirical evidence before accepting claims as true.
Scientific skepticism is a constructive methodology demanding rigorous evidence, not cynical denialism.
The story behind the word. From Ancient Greek 'skeptikos', meaning inquiring or thoughtful. The Skeptics were a school of philosophers (founded by Pyrrho) who suspended judgment to achieve mental tranquility.
Word relationships
- incredulity: Incredulity is a state of psychological disbelief, while skepticism is a systematic analytical stance.
- doubt: Doubt is uncertainty about a fact, while skepticism is a method of questioning evidence.
- credulity: Credulity is the tendency to believe things too readily without sufficient proof.
- gullibility: Gullibility implies being easily fooled or misled.
Commonly confused with
- cynicism: Cynicism assumes bad motives or futility, whereas skepticism simply demands evidence before believing.
Word family
- skeptic (noun): A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions
- skeptical (adjective): Not easily convinced; having doubts
- skeptically (adverb): With doubt or skepticism
Collocations
- scientific skepticism
- healthy skepticism
- treat with skepticism
- deep skepticism
Example sentences
- "Healthy skepticism prevents scientists from embracing extraordinary claims without extraordinary proof." Scientific methodology
- "Enlightenment skepticism challenged long-standing religious dogmas and traditional authorities." Enlightenment thought
Memory hook
A SKEPTIC keeps LOOKING closely before trusting. Show me the proof.
When not to use
Do not confuse with total cynicism or rejection of all truth.
Fun facts
- In ancient Greece, 'skeptikos' did not mean a doubter who said 'No', but an investigator who said 'Let us look closer'.
Explore more words
skeptic, cynical, credulous, questioning, incredulous, inquiry
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