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Scepticism: meaning, definitions and examples

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scepticism

 

[ หˆskษ›ptษชsษชz(ษ™)m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

questioning attitude

Scepticism is a philosophical attitude of doubting the knowledge claims set forth in various domains. It serves as a foundation for scientific inquiry, promoting critical thinking and requiring evidence before acceptance of any assertion. Sceptics often examine the validity of beliefs and challenge assumptions in pursuit of truth.

Synonyms

disbelief, doubt, incredulity, mistrust, suspicion

Examples of usage

  • His scepticism about climate change was unfounded.
  • The scientist approached the new theory with healthy scepticism.
  • She expressed scepticism regarding the efficacy of the new drug.
  • Philosophical scepticism can lead to profound insights.
  • Cynical scepticism can hinder genuine belief.

Translations

Translations of the word "scepticism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น ceticismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เคถเคฏเคตเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Skepsis

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ skeptisisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะบะตะฟั‚ะธั†ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sceptycyzm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ‡็–‘ไธป็พฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท scepticisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ escepticismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท ลŸรผphecilik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํšŒ์˜์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุดูƒูŠูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ skepticismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ skepticizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ€€็–‘ไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ skepticizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sceptรญsismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะบะตะฟั‚ะธั†ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ™แƒ”แƒžแƒขแƒ˜แƒชแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลŸรผbhษ™รงilik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ escepticismo

Etymology

The word 'scepticism' has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the word 'skeptikos', meaning 'thoughtful' or 'inquisitive'. This term was used to refer to a group of philosophers in the Hellenistic period who questioned the reliability of knowledge and human perception. The Skeptics, most notably prominent figures like Pyrrho and later Sextus Empiricus, believed that certainty was unattainable and advocated for a life of inquiry. As the concept evolved through history, the term transitioned into Latin as 'scepticus' and eventually into Old French, leading to the modern English adaptation. Initially, scepticism was mainly associated with philosophical thought, but over time, it has come to encompass a broader application across various fields, including science and everyday reasoning, illustrating a continuous challenge against accepting information at face value.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,338, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.