Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who habitually doubts or is skeptical, especially one who requires physical proof or direct evidence before believing something: This term describes someone who is reluctant to accept facts or statements without tangible, empirical evidence.
   • A reference to the Apostle Thomas in the Bible: Specifically, it refers to the disciple who refused to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ until he could see and touch Jesus's wounds.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He's such a doubting Thomas; he won't believe the project is finished until he sees the final report himself.
  • When I told her about the surprise party, she was a real doubting Thomas and made me show her the guest list.

Advanced Usage

• As a proper noun (Doubting Thomas): When capitalized, it directly references the biblical figure.
  • The story of Doubting Thomas teaches a lesson about faith and evidence.
• Used attributively: To describe a skeptical attitude or mindset.
  • She gave him a doubting-Thomas look when he claimed to have finished all his homework.

Variants and Related Words

• Skeptic (noun): A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
• Cynic (noun): A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest; often used for someone with a general distrust of others' motives, which can overlap with the skepticism of a doubting Thomas.

Synonyms

• Skeptic
• Disbeliever
• Questioner
• Doubter

Idioms and Related Phrases

• "Show me" attitude: An informal phrase describing the demand for proof, similar to the stance of a doubting Thomas.
  • You have a real "show me" attitude about this; you're such a doubting Thomas.

Noun

1. someone who demands physical evidence in order to be convinced (especially when this demand is out of place)
2. the Apostle who would not believe the resurrection of Jesus until he saw Jesus with his own eyes