anti-skepticism
|an-ti-skep-ti-siz-əm|
/ˌæn.tiˈskɛp.tɪ.sɪ.zəm/
against doubt
Etymology
'anti-skepticism' originates from the Greek prefix 'anti-' meaning 'against' and the word 'skepticism', which traces to Greek 'skeptikos' (from 'skeptesthai' / 'skept-') meaning 'to look, examine' (via Latin/Modern Latin forms into English).
'skepticism' derived from Greek 'skeptikos' (one who reflects/considers), passed into Latin/Modern Latin as 'scepticus/skepticus' and French 'scepticisme', and entered English as 'skepticism'; the compound 'anti-skepticism' is a modern English formation combining the prefix 'anti-' with 'skepticism'.
Initially components meant 'against' + 'inquiring/examining'; combined in modern English to mean opposition to skeptical doubt—its contemporary meaning is largely the same as 'opposition to skepticism.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an attitude or position opposing skepticism; a tendency to reject skeptical doubt and affirm belief or certainty in claims.
The philosopher's anti-skepticism argued that knowledge of the external world is possible.
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Noun 2
opposition to skeptical attitudes in ordinary contexts (a readiness to accept testimony, perception, or common-sense claims rather than doubting them).
Her anti-skepticism led her to accept eyewitness accounts readily.
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Last updated: 2025/11/22 22:30