skeptical

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word skeptical. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word skeptical, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say skeptical in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word skeptical you have here. The definition of the word skeptical will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofskeptical, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Latin scepticus +‎ -al; attested earlier than skeptic.[1] By surface analysis, skeptic +‎ -al.

Pronunciation

Adjective

skeptical (comparative more skeptical, superlative most skeptical) (American spelling)

  1. Having, or expressing doubt; questioning.
    • 2012 March-April, Colin Allen, “Do I See What You See?”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 26 April 2012, page 168:
      Numerous experimental tests and other observations have been offered in favor of animal mind reading, and although many scientists are skeptical, others assert that humans are not the only species capable of representing what others do and don’t perceive and know.
    My teacher was skeptical when I told her my dog ate my homework.
    I can see why people are so skeptical [sic] about him, but I think he's on to something here.
    (spelling with 'k' regarded by organizations such as the BBC as an error)
    Tom was skeptical when Paul told him that he saw Bigfoot.
  2. Of or relating to philosophical skepticism or the skeptics.

Derived terms

Translations

References

  1. ^ sceptical | skeptical, adj.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.