Skeptical Meaning
/ˈskɛptɪkəl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
adjHaving, or expressing doubt; questioning.
adjOf or relating to philosophical skepticism or the skeptics.
Sentence Examples
People are often quite skeptical about things unless given believable proof.
I'm skeptical when I hear someone claim to speak more than five languages fluently.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
She was highly ____ of his story because he had lied before.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The scientists remained ____ about the new discovery until more evidence could be provided.
Word Origin & History
From Latin scepticus + -al; attested earlier than skeptic. By surface analysis, skeptic + -al.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I can see why people are so skeptical [sic] about him, but I think he's on to something here."
— 2009 September 12, Xolani1990, quotee, “Brown Lotto trick 'confuses' fans”, in BBC News, London: BBC, archived from the original on 14 Sep 2009:
"Numerous experimental tests and other observations have been offered in favor of animal mind reading, and although many scientists are skeptical, others assert that humans are not the only species capable of representing what others do and don’t perceive and know."
— 2012 March–April, Colin Allen, “Do I See What You See?”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, archived from the original on 26 Apr 2012, page 168:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She was highly ____ of his story because he had lied before.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The scientists remained ____ about the new discovery until more evidence could be provided.