scepticism

[ skep-tuh-siz-uh m ]

/ ˈskɛp təˌsɪz əm /

noun

skepticism.

Nearby words

Related formsan·ti·scep·ti·cism, nouno·ver·scep·ti·cism, noun

skepticism

or scep·ti·cism

[ skep-tuh-siz-uhm ]

/ ˈskɛp təˌsɪz əm /

noun

skeptical attitude or temper; doubt.

doubt or unbelief with regard to a religion, especially Christianity.

(initial capital letter) the doctrines or opinions of philosophical Skeptics; universal doubt.

Origin of skepticism

1640–50; < New Latin scepticismus, equivalent to Latin sceptic(us) skeptic + -ismus -ism

SYNONYMS FOR skepticism

1. questioning, probing, testing. 2. disbelief, atheism, agnosticism.

ANTONYMS FOR skepticism

2. faith.

Related formsan·ti·skep·ti·cism, noun

Examples from the Web for scepticism

For all my scepticism, I had an unexpectedly romantic evening.
The Great Valentine’s Day Hangover|Emma Woolf|February 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The strong current of scepticism which set in during the eighteenth century extends into the nineteenth.
Catholic World, Vol. XIII, April to September, 1871|Various
This spiritual love (then as now) puzzled the commonplace, and was misunderstood and regarded with scepticism.
The Evolution of Love|Emil Lucka
But we may be pardoned our scepticism, seeing there are so many chances of error.
The Myths of the New World|Daniel G. Brinton

Let scepticism assert what it may, such is the nature of man.
Leading Articles on Various Subjects|Hugh Miller
Parsons, who rail against the immorality of scepticism, say that this is all true.
Bible Romances|George W. Foote

Word Origin and History for scepticism

skepticism

also scepticism, 1640s, from skeptic + -ism. Specifically regarding Christian religion, from 1800.

Culture definitions for scepticism

skepticism

In philosophy, the position that what cannot be proved by reason should not be believed. One of the main tasks of epistemology is to find an answer to the charge of some extreme skeptics that no knowledge is possible.