Sceptical: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：not easily convinced (sceptical)

sceptical 🔊

/ˈskeptɪk(ə)l/

adj.

Feeling unsure or not easily believing something, like when you hear a surprising claim and wonder if it's true.

Sceptical person looking thoughtfully at a large question mark, symbolizing doubt and questioning.

not easily convinced 🔊

➕

/nɒt ˈiːzɪli kənˈvɪnst/

adj.

Having or showing doubt about something; unwilling to accept claims without sufficient evidence.

📁 Category：Social Roles, Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'skeptikos' (inquirer, doubter), via Latin 'scepticus'.

💡 Mnemonic

SKEPTICAL sounds like 'skip-it-all' - you skip believing it all until you see proof.

📖 Example

My brother was sceptical when I told him I had finished all my homework in ten minutes. 🔊 My brother found it hard to believe my claim about finishing the homework so quickly.

🔗 Collocations

remain sceptical – To continue to have doubts about something

sceptical about – Having doubts regarding a specific thing or idea

highly sceptical – Extremely doubtful or unconvinced

🔄 Synonyms

doubtful (adj.) – Feeling uncertain about the truth or likelihood of something.

cynical (adj.) – Distrusting or questioning the sincerity or goodness of human motives.

incredulous (adj.) – Unwilling or unable to believe something.

🚫 Antonyms

trusting (adj.) – Ready to believe that people are good and honest.

credulous (adj.) – Too ready to believe things; gullible.

convinced (adj.) – Completely certain about something.

🌱 Derivatives

scepticism (n.) – A doubting or questioning attitude or state of mind.

sceptically (adv.) – In a doubting or questioning manner.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from ancient Greek skeptics who systematically questioned doctrines to seek truth. In modern science, scepticism is the cornerstone of peer review, where claims require rigorous evidence.