skeptic
SKEP-tik
/ˈskɛptɪk/
A person inclined to question, doubt, or suspend judgment regarding accepted opinions or claims until evidence is produced.
In science and philosophy, a skeptic is an active, methodical questioner, not merely a cynical denier.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'skeptikos', derived from 'skeptesthai' meaning 'to look closely, observe, or consider'. Ancient Greek Pyrrhonists called themselves 'skeptikoi'—investigators who looked carefully at every claim rather than rushing to judgment.
Word relationships
- doubter: A doubter hesitates to believe, while a skeptic uses structured inquiry to evaluate evidence.
- questioner: A questioner asks for information; a skeptic systematically tests claims against proof.
- believer: A believer accepts claims on faith or trust.
- dogmatist: A dogmatist holds beliefs immune to counter-evidence.
Commonly confused with
- cynic: A skeptic doubts evidence until verified; a cynic distrusts human motives.
Word family
- skeptical (adjective): Not easily convinced; having doubts.
- skepticism (noun): A skeptical attitude or philosophical doctrine.
Collocations
- healthy skeptic
- climate skeptic
- philosophical skeptic
- remaining a skeptic
Example sentences
- "As a healthy skeptic, the biologist demanded double-blind trial results before accepting the novel cure." Scientific debate
- "Even the most hardened skeptic was impressed by the meticulous documentation presented at the conference." Everyday context
Memory hook
SKEPTIC looks through a SPECTACLE to inspect claims closely. Look closely before believing.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a cynic, who assumes bad motives, or a contrarian, who disagrees just to be difficult.
Fun facts
- In British English, the word is traditionally spelled 'sceptic', though 'skeptic' is standard in American English.
Related words
Explore more words
skepticism, questioning, credulous, query, incredulous, falsifiable
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