Skeptical
/ˈskɛptɪkəl/
Definitions
Doubtful; not easily convinced; questioning or disbelieving.
/ˈskɛptɪkəl/
Having or expressing doubt about something.
She was skeptical about the politician's promises.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend tells you they saw a unicorn. If you're skeptical, it means you don't quite believe them, and you might ask questions to make sure it's true. Like, 'Did it have a horn? Where did you see it?'
👶 For kids: When you're skeptical, you're not sure if something is true. You might say, 'Hmm, I don't know if that's real!'
More Examples
The doctor remained skeptical of the patient's self-diagnosis.
I am skeptical that this new technology will work as advertised.
How It's Used
"The scientist was skeptical of the new findings."
"Investors remain skeptical about the company's growth projections."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
raise a skeptical eyebrow
To express doubt or disbelief through a facial expression.
"When I told him I'd won the lottery, he raised a skeptical eyebrow."
From Greek *skeptikos* ('inquisitive, thoughtful'), from *skeptesthai* ('to consider, examine').
The word 'skeptical' gained prominence during the Enlightenment, reflecting the era's emphasis on reason and empiricism.
Memory tip
Think of a *skele*ton, which you might view with doubt if you aren't a medical professional.
Word Origin
"inquisitive; thoughtful"