doubting Thomas
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- someone who demands physical evidence in order to be convinced (especially when this demand is out of place)
- the Apostle who would not believe the resurrection of Jesus until he saw Jesus with his own eyes