French word

scepticisme

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛptisizm/

Meaning

  • masculine nounskepticism

Example

Le scepticisme est souvent sain.

Skepticism is often healthy.

Illustration for scepticisme (skepticism)

More examples

Elle fait preuve de scepticisme à propos de cette étude.

She shows skepticism about this study.

Core concept

A claim held at arm's length until evidence and reasons support it.

Common phrases

  • faire preuve de scepticisme

    show skepticism

  • manifester du scepticisme

    express skepticism

Similar words

doute: A lack of certainty about the truth of something.
méfiance: Wariness toward a person or situation that is not easily trusted.
prudence: A careful approach intended to prevent danger or failure.
réserve: A reserved manner that avoids openly showing feelings or opinions.

Definition in French

Disposition ou attitude qui consiste à ne pas croire une affirmation sans preuves et à exiger des raisons avant d'y adhérer.

Word origin

Scepticisme comes through Latin scepticismus from Greek skeptikismos, formed from skeptikos, meaning 'inquiring'.

Usage tips

  • Scepticisme is masculine, so standard usage is le scepticisme and un scepticisme in ordinary noun phrases.

Other meanings

  • doubtnoun

Opposites

  • crédulitécredulitynoun
  • confianceconfidencenoun

Related words

  • sceptiqueskepticaladjective
  • sceptiquementskepticallyadverb

Word lists with this word