'sceptic' originates from Modern Latin, specifically the word 'scepticus', where the Greek root 'skept-' (from 'skeptesthai') meant 'to look, examine'.

'sceptic' changed from French and Latin forms — Greek 'skeptikos' → Latin 'scepticus' → Old French/Medieval Latin forms → Middle English 'sceptik' and eventually became the modern English 'sceptic'.

Initially it meant 'inquisitive' or 'reflective' (one who examines or considers), but over time it evolved into the current primary meaning 'one who doubts or questions accepted beliefs'.