German Conversation · Level 21
89 words
German word
Skepsis
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈskɛpsɪs/
Meaning
- feminine nounskepticism
Example
Seine Skepsis gegenüber neuen Ideen ist verständlich.
His skepticism about new ideas is understandable.
More examples
Die Skepsis der Öffentlichkeit gegenüber dem Projekt wuchs nach dem Bericht.
The public's skepticism toward the project grew after the report.
Core concept
A mental checkpoint holds a claim at a distance until its evidence has been examined.
Common phrases
Skepsis gegenüber neuen Ideen
skepticism about new ideas
Skepsis äußern
express skepticism
mit Skepsis betrachten
view with skepticism
Similar words
Zweifel: A lack of firm belief that something is true.
Misstrauen: Doubt about another person's honesty, words, or intentions.
Vorbehalt: An expressed reservation that leaves conditions or concerns unresolved.
Definition in German
Skepsis bezeichnet das kritische Infragestellen von Behauptungen oder neuen Ideen.
Word origin
Skepsis comes from Greek skepsis, meaning examination or inquiry, and is a learned borrowing based on Greek skeptesthai, to examine.
Usage tips
- Skepsis is feminine, so the standard phrase is die Skepsis gegenüber neuen Ideen, with gegenüber taking the dative.