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Webster 1913 Edition


Skeptical

{

Skep′tic

,

Skep′tic-al

, }
Adj.
[Written also
sceptic
,
sceptical
.]
1.
Of or pertaining to a sceptic or skepticism; characterized by skepticism; hesitating to admit the certainly of doctrines or principles; doubting of everything.
2.
(Theol.)
Doubting or denying the truth of revelation, or the sacred Scriptures.
The
skeptical
system subverts the whole foundation of morals.
R. Hall.
Skep′tac-al-ly
,
adv.
Skep′tic-al-ness
,
Noun.

Definition 2024


skeptical

skeptical

English

Alternative forms

Adjective

skeptical (comparative more skeptical, superlative most skeptical)

  1. Having, or expressing doubt; questioning.
    • 2012 March-April, Colin Allen, “Do I See What You See?”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 2, page 168:
      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.
    My teacher was skeptical when I told her my dog ate my homework.
    I can see why people are so skeptical [sic] about him, but I think he's on to something here. (regarded by organizations such as the BBC as an error)
    Tom was skeptical when Paul told him that he saw Bigfoot.
  2. Of or relating to philosophical skepticism or the skeptics.

Translations