skepticism

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "skepticism" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word to describe a state of doubt or disbelief, or when questioning the validity of a statement or claim. For example, "The mayor's promises were met with skepticism from the public, who had heard similar promises before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None of these skeptical theses is implied by either skepticism about moral knowledge or skepticism about justified moral belief.

SEP

Rhetorical argument had its classical base in the field of oratory and implied a skeptical epistemology, not the radical and extreme skepticism of the Greek Pyrrhonists but the more limited skepticism of the Academic philosophers of Hellenistic Greece and their Roman disciples.

SEP

This claim is sometimes named Cartesian skepticism (although Descartes argued against it) or Academic skepticism (despite other interpretations of skeptics in the ancient Academy).

SEP

The conservatives all express skepticism, some significant.

The New York Times

A report in 2012 by The Global Mail highlighted the deeply embedded climate skepticism, and the ideological commitment to coal mining and export.

The Guardian

Marquardt reports a deteriorating scene at the hospital, and again confirmed at least four dead, despite skepticism in some Israeli media.

The Guardian

Whilst the mounting skepticism surrounding corruption prevents large amounts of financial aid from getting through, concerns are also growing that larger NGOs are flitting away money on unnecessary luxuries such as SUVs and plush hotels.

The Guardian

Chafee may face some skepticism from voters as a former Republican, but his liberal record may mitigate some of those concerns.

The Guardian

Chafee could face some skepticism from voters as a former Republican but his liberal record may mitigate some of those concerns.

The Guardian

He's not the first to evince some skepticism of the arrangement.

The Guardian - Opinion

And on immigration, Rubio has tried to overcome skepticism within the base when it comes to the comprehensive reform bill he co-authored that passed the Senate in 2013, while standing firm on his support for a pathway to citizenship.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "skepticism" to indicate a reasoned doubt, especially when evaluating claims or evidence. Avoid using it interchangeably with "cynicism", which implies a more negative and distrustful outlook.

Common error

Don't assume that "skepticism" is always negative. It's about critical assessment, not inherent negativity. Cynicism, on the other hand, suggests a distrust of others' motives.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "skepticism" is as a noun. It typically functions as a subject or object in a sentence, representing the abstract concept of doubt or questioning. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as expressing doubt about moral truths or climate change.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "skepticism" is a noun that denotes doubt or a questioning attitude. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and high frequency across various contexts. It is important to distinguish "skepticism" from "cynicism", as "skepticism" implies a reasoned doubt while cynicism suggests a more negative distrust. This word commonly appears in academic, scientific, and news contexts. Remember to employ "skepticism" when critical evaluation is needed but avoid it in situations demanding immediate trust. By understanding these nuances, you can use "skepticism" effectively and appropriately in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doubt

A general feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something.

disbelief

Inability or refusal to accept something as true or real.

cynicism

An attitude of scornful or jaded negativity, often distrusting the motives of others.

incredulity

State of being unwilling or unable to believe something.

distrust

Lack of trust; suspicion.

reservation

A feeling of doubt or uncertainty about the wisdom or correctness of something.

apprehension

Anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

questioning attitude

A tendency to inquire and challenge assumptions.

healthy doubt

A beneficial level of doubt that encourages critical thinking.

critical thinking

The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "skepticism" in a sentence?

You can use "skepticism" to describe a state of doubt or questioning towards something. For example, "The scientist approached the new data with "skepticism", carefully scrutinizing every detail".

What's the difference between "skepticism" and "cynicism"?

"Skepticism" involves a reasoned doubt or questioning of claims, while "cynicism" is a more general distrust of others' motives and a negative outlook on life.

Are there situations where "skepticism" is not appropriate?

While "skepticism" is valuable for critical thinking, it may be inappropriate in situations requiring immediate trust or cooperation, or when interacting with someone who is expressing their personal feelings or vulnerabilities.

What are some related words to "skepticism"?

Some related words include "doubt", "disbelief", "incredulity", and "distrust", each carrying slightly different nuances of uncertainty and questioning.