sceptical
UK[ˈskeptɪkəl]US[ˈskeptɪkəl]
adj
Having doubts that a claim or statement is true or that something will happen.
adj
Relating to the philosophical school of thought that questions the possibility of certain knowledge.
Morpheme Breakdown
scept
ic
al
scept
observe, examine
ic
adjective suffix
al
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word 'sceptical' originates from the Greek philosophical school of the Skeptikoi, literally meaning 'inquiring' or 'thoughtful ones', derived from the verb skeptesthai (to look carefully, to examine). This root is linked to the Proto-Indo-European speḱ-, meaning 'to observe', which also gives us words like 'scope' and 'spectator'. Over time, the core meaning shifted from a neutral sense of inquiry to one emphasizing doubt and questioning, particularly regarding the attainment of absolute truth. In modern English, it describes an attitude of doubt towards the truth of specific claims or general knowledge.
Analysis
Structure: scept (observe, examine) + ic (adjective suffix) + al (adjective suffix)
scept from Greek skeptikos (thoughtful, inquiring); ic from Greek/Latin suffix -ikos/-icus (forming adjectives); al from Latin suffix -alis (pertaining to).
Examples
Many scientists remain sceptical about the new theory's claims.
She gave him a sceptical look when he promised to finish the work by noon.
His sceptical nature made him question even the most widely accepted facts.