noun
sceptic
SKEP-tik
Sceptic (noun) means a person who is not easily convinced and questions claims or ideas that others accept without proof. Example: “She remained a sceptic about the diet's supposed benefits.”
noun
1
A person who is not easily convinced and questions claims or ideas that others accept without proof.
"She remained a sceptic about the diet's supposed benefits."
"The scientist was a sceptic until the results were repeated in three separate trials."
"Sceptics in the audience pressed the speaker for evidence."
How to use sceptic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sceptic is someone who needs solid proof before believing a claim.
When to use it
Sceptic is chiefly a British spelling; skeptic is the more widely used form outside the UK.
Memory tip
Watch the spelling carefully, since sceptic and septic differ by only one letter but mean completely different things.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a healthy sceptic
remain a sceptic
sceptics argue that
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like sceptic.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She remained a _____ about the diet's supposed benefits.
Etymology
Sceptic is simply the spelling used chiefly in the UK for the same word spelled skeptic elsewhere.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for sceptic
See all rhymes for sceptic →Frequently asked questions
What does sceptic mean?
A sceptic is someone who doubts claims or ideas rather than accepting them without question.
Is sceptic the same word as skeptic?
Yes, sceptic is chiefly the British spelling, while skeptic is used elsewhere, most notably in American English.
What is the difference between sceptic and septic?
They look similar but are unrelated. A sceptic doubts things, while septic describes something infected or contaminated with bacteria.
What is the meaning of sceptic?
"sceptic" (noun) means a person who is not easily convinced and questions claims or ideas that others accept without proof.
