skeptic
skeptic Lexical Profile
skeptic Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions, claims, or assertions until sufficient evidence is provided.
"The scientist remained a skeptic until the experimental results were independently replicated by three other laboratories."
American An adherent of philosophical skepticism, a school of thought that doubts the possibility of attaining absolute or certain knowledge.
"Ancient Greek skeptics argued that suspending judgment on unverifiable matters leads to mental tranquility."
Word Nuance & Usage
Spelled 'skeptic' in American English and 'sceptic' in British English. A skeptic requires evidence before accepting a claim, whereas a 'cynic' assumes that people are motivated purely by self-interest.
• Rhymes for skeptic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century: via French or Latin from Greek 'skeptikos' ('inquiring, reflective'), from 'skeptesthai' ('to look out, consider, or examine').