# acatalepsia

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acatalepsia
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

the belief that nothing is certain or true. It is a philosophical idea that people cannot know anything for sure.

For teachers: the philosophical doctrine that nothing is certain or knowable. Often used in the context of skepticism to describe the rejection of all knowledge claims.

## Examples

- The philosopher argued for acatalepsia to challenge the limits of human knowledge.
- In his treatise, the author explores acatalepsia as a response to the uncertainty of the physical world.
- While many philosophers seek absolute truths, the concept of acatalepsia suggests that all human knowledge is inherently provisional and subject to revision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.