sceptical
|scep-ti-cal|
/ˈskɛp.tɪ.kəl/
questioning; doubting
Etymology
'sceptical' originates from Latin and French, specifically via Late Latin 'scepticus' and Old French 'sceptique', ultimately from Greek 'skeptikos', where 'skept-' meant 'to look, to examine'.
'sceptical' changed from Late Latin 'scepticus' and Old French 'sceptique' and entered English in the 16th–17th centuries as 'sceptical' (also spelled 'skeptical' in later English).
Initially it meant 'inquisitive, thoughtful' (one who examines) but over time it evolved into the modern sense of 'doubtful; inclined to question'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an attitude or state of doubting the truth of something; (as a noun form) 'scepticism' is the quality of being sceptical.
There was widespread scepticism about the new policy.
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Noun 2
a person who doubts accepted opinions; a sceptic is someone who questions claims.
As a sceptic, he questioned every extraordinary claim.
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Adjective 1
doubting that something is true or useful; having reservations.
She was sceptical about the company's promises after the last failure.
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Adjective 2
not easily convinced; requiring strong evidence before accepting a claim.
Scientists remain sceptical until results are replicated by others.
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Adverb 1
in a doubtful or questioning manner (from the adjective 'sceptical').
He listened sceptically to the sales pitch.
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Last updated: 2025/11/20 22:17