skeptic
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
2=speḱPlease see Module:checkparams for help with this warning.
From Latin *scepticus, (attested only in plural Sceptici (“the sect of Skeptics”)), from Ancient Greek σκεπτικός (skeptikós, “thoughtful, inquiring”), from σκέπτομαι (sképtomai, “I consider”), compare to σκοπέω (skopéō, “I view, examine”). (Note: In French, C in front of E and I had shifted (or was shifting) from the original [k] sound of Latin to the [s] sound, which might explain the double spelling, as some might have wanted to make sure that [k] would remain [k] by bringing back the K from the Greek spelling.)
Pronunciation
Noun
skeptic (plural skeptics) (American spelling)
- Someone who habitually doubts beliefs and claims presented as accepted by others, requiring strong evidence before accepting any belief or claim.
- Someone undecided as to what is true.
- A type of agnostic; someone skeptical towards religion.
Related terms
Translations
someone who habitually doubts beliefs and claims
|
References
- Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “skeptic”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.
- “skeptic”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.
- “skeptic”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911, →OCLC.
- “skeptic”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.