Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who habitually doubts or questions accepted opinions, claims, or beliefs: A skeptic is someone who requires evidence before accepting something as true and is inclined to question the validity of assertions, especially those considered to be common knowledge or dogma.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • As a skeptic, she demanded to see the data before believing the new scientific claim.
  • The ancient Greek philosophers included many skeptics who questioned the possibility of certain knowledge.
  • He is a skeptic when it comes to stories of the supernatural.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical Skeptic: Refers to someone who adheres to the philosophical doctrine that true knowledge or certainty in some or all areas is impossible.
  • The writings of David Hume are central to the tradition of philosophical skepticism.
• Healthy Skeptic: Describes a person whose questioning attitude is seen as reasonable and prudent, not merely cynical.
  • A healthy dose of skepticism is essential for a good journalist.

Variants and Related Words

• Skeptical (adj): Having or showing doubt; questioning.
  • She was skeptical of the salesman's promises.
• Skepticism (n): A skeptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something.
  • His theory was met with widespread skepticism from the academic community.

Synonyms

• Doubter: One who is uncertain or lacks conviction.
• Cynic: A person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest (often overlaps with but is more negative than "skeptic").
• Questioner: One who asks questions or expresses doubts.

Related Phrases

• Skeptic at heart: Someone whose fundamental nature is to doubt.
  • He's a skeptic at heart and won't be easily convinced by emotional appeals.
• To treat with skepticism: To regard something with doubt.
  • The public treated the politician's promises with well-founded skepticism.

Noun

1. someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs