Word
skeptical
Phoneticsskep·ti·cal, stress on the first syllable
/ˈskɛptəkəɫ/
UK spelling · sceptical
Definitions
01doubting or questioning
B2 · Upper Intermediate American English
adj. doubting that something is true or useful.
adj. inclined to doubt or question claims; expressing a lack of belief in the validity of a statement or theory.
“Many people are skeptical about the new law and don't think it will work.”
“The board remained skeptical of the CEO's ambitious projections, demanding more concrete data before approving the expansion.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the prepositions 'of' or 'about'.
Pitfall
I am skeptical for his story.
I am skeptical of his story.
Use the preposition 'of' or 'about' after skeptical to show what you doubt.
02philosophical skepticism
C1 · Advanced American English · Academic
adj. relating to the philosophical idea that we cannot know anything for certain.
adj. relating to the philosophical school of thought that questions the possibility of absolute knowledge or certainty.
“The professor discussed the skeptical tradition in ancient Greek philosophy.”
“His skeptical approach to epistemology suggests that human sensory perception is inherently unreliable for determining objective truth.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“But he is sceptical about how much Argos can grow in such a "tough retail market".” “But while Huckabee posted a video of Israeli forces arriving to deal with the settlers to show that action is being taken, Palestinians remain sceptical.” “Some people are very sceptical about this explanation – particularly in the light of stories like this .” Etymology
From Latin scepticus + -al; attested earlier than skeptic. By surface analysis, skeptic + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/skeptical