ENGLISH
REFERENCE

skepticism

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈskɛptɪˌsɪzəm// skep·ti·cism

n. a feeling of doubt about whether something is true or if it will really work. It means you do not believe things immediately and want to see proof first.

n. an attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object. Often refers to the philosophical position that absolute knowledge is impossible.


SIMPLE

She looked at the cheap offer with a lot of skepticism.

CONTEXTUAL

The scientist expressed skepticism about the new findings until the results could be repeated in another lab.

COMPLEX

Healthy skepticism is vital in the digital age to distinguish between evidence-based reporting and the rapid spread of unverified misinformation.

Synonyms
Origin

From New Latin scepticismus; equivalent to skeptic + -ism.

Usage

Often paired with the prepositions 'about' or 'toward'.

Pitfall

I have a skepticism about the planI have skepticism about the planWhen referring to a general feeling of doubt, the word is uncountable and does not take an indefinite article.

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