skeptic
Syllabification: (skep·tic)
Pronunciation: /ˈskeptik/
(British sceptic)
Translate skeptic | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of skeptic
noun
- 2 Philosophy an ancient or modern philosopher who denies the possibility of knowledge, or even rational belief, in some sphere.
The leading ancient skeptic was Pyrrho, whose followers at the Academy vigorously opposed Stoicism. Modern skeptics 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
adjective
- another term for skeptical.
Origin:
late 16th century (sense 2 of the noun): from French sceptique, or via Latin from Greek skeptikos, from skepsis 'inquiry, doubt'
Spelling help
Remember that skeptic begins with sk- (the spelling sceptic is British).
Do not confuse skeptic with septic. See septic.
