skeptic

The definition of a skeptic is someone inclined to doubt or question rather than just believe matters that are generally accepted.

(noun)

A person who questions accepted beliefs is an example of a skeptic.

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See skeptic in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

skeptical: used esp. in philosophy

Origin: L scepticus < Gr skeptikos, thoughtful, inquiring < skeptesthai, to consider: altered by metathesis < IE base *spe-, to peer > spy

noun

  1. a member of any of the ancient Greek philosophical schools that denied the possibility of any certain knowledge
  2. a person who believes in or practices philosophical skepticism
  3. a person who habitually doubts, questions, or suspends judgment upon matters generally accepted
  4. a person who doubts religious doctrines

See skeptic in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also scep·tic

noun
  1. One who instinctively or habitually doubts, questions, or disagrees with assertions or generally accepted conclusions.
  2. One inclined to skepticism in religious matters.
  3. Philosophy
    a. often Skeptic An adherent of a school of skepticism.
    b. Skeptic A member of an ancient Greek school of skepticism, especially that of Pyrrho of Elis (360?-272? B.C.).

Origin:

Origin: Latin Scepticus, disciple of Pyrrho of Elis

Origin: , from Greek Skeptikos

Origin: , from skeptesthai, to examine; see spek- in Indo-European roots

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