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skeptic definition

skep·tic (skeptik)

adjective

skeptical: used esp. in philosophy

Etymology: 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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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new words:  cynic versus skeptic115 years ago

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