skeptical
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
doubting that something is true or useful.
inclined to doubt or question claims; expressing a lack of belief in the validity of a statement or theory.
Simple“Many people are skeptical about the new law and don't think it will work.”
In context“The board remained skeptical of the CEO's ambitious projections, demanding more concrete data before approving the expansion.”
UsageCommonly followed by the prepositions 'of' or 'about'.
PitfallI am skeptical for his story. I am skeptical of his story.Use the preposition 'of' or 'about' after skeptical to show what you doubt.
- 02 C1 Advanced
relating to the philosophical idea that we cannot know anything for certain.
relating to the philosophical school of thought that questions the possibility of absolute knowledge or certainty.
Simple“The professor discussed the skeptical tradition in ancient Greek philosophy.”
In context“His skeptical approach to epistemology suggests that human sensory perception is inherently unreliable for determining objective truth.”
SynonymsAntonyms
“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.”
“But he is sceptical about how much Argos can grow in such a "tough retail market".”
From Latin scepticus + -al; attested earlier than skeptic. By surface analysis, skeptic + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.