definition of sceptic from Oxford Dictionaries Online


	Email Cite Text size: A A Print options: Example sentences Synonyms Categories sceptic (scep\|tic) Syllabification: On Off Entry from World dictionary Pronunciation:/ˈskɛptɪk/ (archaic & North American skeptic) noun The leading ancient sceptic was Pyrrho, whose followers at the Academy vigorously opposed Stoicism. Modern sceptics have held diverse views: the most extreme have doubted whether any knowledge at all of the external world is possible ( see solipsism ) , while others have questioned the existence of objects beyond our experience of them 1 a person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions a person who doubts the truth of Christianity and other religions; an atheist 2 Philosophyan ancient or modern philosopher who denies the possibility of knowledge, or even rational belief, in some sphere adjective another term for sceptical Origin: late 16th century (in sceptic (sense 2 of the noun) ): from French sceptique, or via Latin from Greek skeptikos, from skepsis 'inquiry, doubt' Spelling help Remember that sceptic begins with sc- (the spelling skeptic is American). Easily confused words Do not confuse septic with sceptic. Septic means ‘ infected with bacteria ’ ( septic wounds ), whereas sceptic means ‘ a person who questions accepted beliefs or statements ’ ( numerous sceptics poured scorn on his claim ). be favourably disposed towards or willing to do something View entry ask someone questions, especially in official context View entry feel uncertain about View entry consent to receive or undertake View entry view or judgement formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge View entry religion based on person and teachings of Jesus Christ View entry belief in and worship of superhuman controlling power View entry person who does not believe in existence of God or gods View entry belonging to very distant past and no longer in existence View entry relating to present or recent times as opposed to remote past View entry person engaged or learned in philosophy, especially as academic discipline View entry state that one refuses to admit truth or existence of View entry thing that may happen or be case View entry true, justified belief View entry used to emphasize something surprising or extreme View entry based on or in accordance with reason or logic View entry acceptance that something exists or is true, especially one without proof View entry round solid figure, or its surface, with every point on its surface equidistant from its centre View entry cause person or animal to go with one by holding them by hand, halter, rope View entry person who supports and admires particular person or set of ideas View entry teaching school founded by Plato View entry in way that involves physical strength or energy View entry disagree with and attempt to prevent, especially by argument View entry ancient Greek school of philosophy founded at Athens by Zeno of Citium View entry person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions View entry showing great deal of variety View entry sight or prospect that can be taken in by eye from particular place View entry either of two abstract things that are as different from each other as possible View entry facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education View entry belonging to or forming outer surface or structure of something View entry earth, together with all of its countries and peoples View entry able to be done or achieved View entry fact or state of living or having objective reality View entry practical contact with and observation of facts or events View entry relating to France or its people or language View entry language of ancient Rome and its empire View entry ancient or modern language of Greece View entry have in or be able to bring to one's mind awareness of View entry chemical element of atomic number 21 View entry process or activity of writing or naming letters of word View entry native or citizen of United States View entry make someone bewildered or perplexed View entry quotient of sum of several quantities and their number View entry affect (person, organism, etc.) with disease-causing organism View entry member of large group of unicellular microorganisms which have cell walls but lack organelles View entry (chiefly of wound or part of body) infected with bacteria View entry injury to living tissue caused by impact View entry intend to refer to particular thing View entry definite or clear expression of something in speech View entry great in number View entry speak with contempt or mockery of View entry assertion that something is true View entry person inclined to question or doubt all accepted opinions View entry person who doubts truth of Christianity and other religions View entry ancient or modern philosopher who denies possibility of knowledge View entry Meaning entity » organism » causal agent » person » type of person » disliked person » critical person Click any link to see words in that category Meaning entity » organism » causal agent » person » person by faith » non-believer Subject Religion Click any link to see words in that category Meaning entity » organism » causal agent » person » social role » worker » philosopher Subject Arts and humanities » Philosophy Click any link to see words in that category		Nearby Words scene-stealer scenester scenic scenic railway scenography scent scented scent gland scent mark sceptic sceptical scepticism sceptre sch. schadenfreude schappe schedule scheduled scheduled caste scheduled territories