skeptic
Skeptic (noun) means someone who habitually questions claims or beliefs that most people accept without proof. Example: “As a skeptic, she wanted to see the data before believing the study.”
How to use skeptic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who doubts and demands evidence rather than taking things on faith.
A skeptic questions and demands evidence; a cynic assumes the worst about people's motives — the words overlap but aren't identical.
Spelled "sceptic" in British English, "skeptic" in American English.
Word forms
more skeptic comparative, skeptics plural, most skeptic superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for skeptic
See all rhymes for skeptic →Frequently asked questions
What does “skeptic” mean?
The word “skeptic” means someone who habitually questions claims or beliefs that most people accept without proof. In plain terms, someone who doubts and demands evidence rather than taking things on faith.
How do you pronounce “skeptic”?
“Skeptic” is pronounced SKEHP-tihk (/ˈskɛp.tɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “skeptic” in a sentence?
Here is “skeptic” used in a sentence: “As a skeptic, she wanted to see the data before believing the study.”
What part of speech is “skeptic”?
“Skeptic” is a noun.
Where does the word “skeptic” come from?
The word “skeptic” comes from Greek. From Greek "skeptikos," meaning "thoughtful" or "inquiring," from "skeptesthai," "to consider carefully.".