What does scepticism mean?
Skepticism is the practice or habit of doubting claims, explanations, and accepted beliefs until they have been adequately tested. It can be directed at a particular statement, as in skepticism about a scientific claim, or used more broadly to describe a general attitude toward authority, convention, or inherited knowledge. The term often has a positive connotation when paired with modifiers such as healthy, thoughtful, or informed, suggesting that critical questioning leads to better judgment. Less favorably, skepticism may describe excessive distrust or a reluctance to accept even well-supported claims. As a noun, skepticism is closely associated with skepticism and skeptical forms, with the traditional British spelling using -c- and the standard American spelling using -k-. The word ultimately derives from ancient Greek inquiry through skeptics who questioned accepted doctrines, giving it a long history as a term for disciplined doubt.
nounAn attitude of doubt or disbelief toward a claim, statement, or idea, especially one presented as authoritative. Skepticism can range from careful, constructive questioning to broad distrust of conventional beliefs.
- An attitude of doubt or disbelief toward a claim or assertion.
- A general inclination to question accepted beliefs, statements, or conventional assumptions.
"Her healthy skepticism led her to examine the evidence before accepting the explanation."
"The proposal was met with considerable skepticism because the supporting data had not been independently verified."
"Although the company had promised improvements, residents approached the announcement with skepticism."
The plural is uncommon in ordinary use because skepticism is usually treated as a mass noun. It is more likely when referring to distinct attitudes or expressions of doubt.
"Their different skepticisms reveal how differently they interpret the same evidence."
Healthy skepticism is what turns curiosity into the useful habit of asking, “What is the evidence?”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does scepticism come from?
Skepticism derives through English skepticism and the Latin skeptical from ancient Greek skeptikos, meaning “of or relating to inquiry” or “doubting.” Its intellectual history is associated with ancient skeptics, who used questioning as a method of testing claims and exposing inconsistencies in accepted beliefs. The modern English noun developed with the sense of doubt or disbelief, and it is cognate with forms such as skeptic and skeptical.
Related word forms
How scepticism is actually used
Skepticism is often approving when it appears as healthy skepticism, indicating careful evaluation rather than hostility. In its broader sense, it can imply persistent or excessive distrust. British English traditionally uses scepticism, sceptic, and sceptical, although sceptic and sceptical are also recognized in American English.
Easily confused with scepticism
Skepticism is the traditional British spelling, while skepticism is the standard American spelling; both name the same attitude of doubt.
Skepticism is a noun naming an attitude or tendency, whereas skeptical is an adjective describing someone or something that doubts a claim.