noun
skeptic
SKEHP-tihk
noun
1
Someone who habitually questions claims or beliefs that most people accept without proof.
"As a skeptic, she wanted to see the data before believing the study."
"He remained a skeptic about the new diet fad."
How to Use Skeptic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who doubts and demands evidence rather than taking things on faith.
Common mistake
A skeptic questions and demands evidence; a cynic assumes the worst about people's motives — the words overlap but aren't identical.
UK vs US
Spelled "sceptic" in British English, "skeptic" in American English.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
more skeptic comparative, skeptics plural, most skeptic superlative
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As a _____, she wanted to see the data before believing the study.
Etymology
From Greek "skeptikos," meaning "thoughtful" or "inquiring," from "skeptesthai," "to consider carefully."