sceptical
/'skeptikəl/ Cách viết khác : (skeptical) /'skeptikəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Inclined to doubt or question accepted opinions and claims: Having or showing a tendency to disbelieve or hesitate in accepting something as true, often requiring evidence or proof.
- Relating to or characteristic of philosophical skepticism: Pertaining to the doctrine that true knowledge or certainty in a particular area is uncertain or impossible.
Examples of Usage
- General Attitude:
- She was deeply sceptical about the company's promises of rapid profits.
- The scientist remained sceptical until all the data from the experiment was verified.
- Philosophical Context:
- His sceptical philosophy challenged the foundations of religious dogma.
Advanced Usage
- "to be sceptical of/about something": To have doubts concerning the truth, value, or honesty of something.
- Many experts are sceptical of the new policy's effectiveness.
- The public grew increasingly sceptical about the government's assurances.
Variants and Related Words
- Skeptical (adj): The standard spelling in American English. It has the same meaning as 'sceptical'.
- He gave a skeptical look when he heard the excuse.
- Scepticism (n): The general attitude of doubt or the philosophical theory.
- Her scepticism saved her from falling for the scam.
- Sceptic (n): A person who questions or doubts accepted opinions.
- He is a born sceptic who never takes anything at face value.
Synonyms
- Dubious: Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon.
- Incredulous: Unwilling or unable to believe something.
- Questioning: Showing an interest in learning new things and ensuring accuracy.
- Distrustful: Lacking trust; suspicious.
Antonyms
- Credulous: Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
- Trusting: Showing or tending to have a belief in a person's honesty or sincerity.
- Gullible: Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Take something with a grain/pinch of salt: To be sceptical about something and not take it too seriously.
- I take his stories about his wealth with a pinch of salt; he's known for exaggerating.
- The jury is out (on something): Used to say that something has not yet been decided or has not yet had a definite judgment passed on it, often inviting a sceptical or wait-and-see attitude.
- The jury is still out on whether the new treatment is truly effective.
Adjective
- denying or questioning the tenets of especially a religion
- a skeptical approach to the nature of miracles
- marked by or given to doubt
- a skeptical attitude
- a skeptical listener