scepticism
gb/skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/ us/skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
B2
Angličtina
~ 7800
Významy
0 významů
Podstatné jméno
B2
state
1
doubt about truth of claims
A feeling of not believing something or not being sure it is true, usually until you see good proof.
Vzorec užití:
[someone]'s scepticism about [something]
Častá chyba:
Learners sometimes confuse 'scepticism' with 'cynicism'. 'Scepticism' means you doubt something until there is good evidence; 'cynicism' suggests you believe people are selfish or dishonest. Learners may also confuse spelling: British English uses 'scepticism', American English uses 'skepticism'. The meaning is the same.
Synonyma
doubt (The most general word; can be weaker and does not always suggest a steady attitude like 'scepticism' does.)
|
disbelief (Stronger than 'scepticism'; suggests not believing rather than waiting for proof.)
|
suspicion (Adds a feeling that something may be wrong or dishonest, not just unproven.)
Antonyma
confidence (Suggests strong belief that something is true or will happen, the opposite of a doubting attitude.)
|
faith (Belief without needing proof, often emotional or religious, which contrasts with sceptical doubt.)
Kolokace
healthy scepticism
|widespread scepticism
|growing scepticism
|public scepticism
|express scepticism
|met with scepticism
Témata
thinking
|communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Příklady
- There was widespread scepticism about the company’s claim that the app was completely secure.
- Many scientists reacted with scepticism to the early results of the study.
- Her initial scepticism faded as she saw more evidence.
- The government’s promises were met with deep scepticism from voters.
- Investors expressed scepticism about the startup’s ambitious growth forecasts.
Učební příklady
- There is a lot of scepticism about the new plan.
- Some people feel scepticism when they hear this story.
- Her scepticism disappeared after she saw the facts.
- The news was met with scepticism by the public.
- He expressed his scepticism about the project.
Podstatné jméno
technical
C1
entity
2
philosophical doctrine of radical doubt
In philosophy, the idea that people can never be completely sure that they know the truth about the world.
Vzorec užití:
philosophical scepticism about [knowledge/belief]
Častá chyba:
Learners may assume this philosophical sense is the same as everyday 'scepticism'. In philosophy it is more systematic and often much more radical than normal doubt about a claim.
Synonyma
philosophical doubt (Less technical and more descriptive; does not name a specific school of thought like 'scepticism' can.)
Antonyma
dogmatism (In philosophy, refers to confident assertion of principles as certainly true, which contrasts with sceptical doubt about certainty.)
Kolokace
philosophical scepticism
|radical scepticism
|ancient scepticism
|epistemological scepticism
|Pyrrhonian scepticism
Témata
philosophy
|academia
|education
|science
Příklady
- Descartes used radical scepticism as a method to test the foundations of knowledge.
- Ancient Greek scepticism questioned whether anything could be known with certainty.
- In his lectures, she explored the relationship between scientific realism and philosophical scepticism.
- Some forms of scepticism argue that we can only have beliefs, never true knowledge.
- Modern epistemology often begins with a discussion of scepticism about the external world.
Učební příklady
- In philosophy class we studied scepticism about knowledge.
- Some philosophers use scepticism to test ideas.
- Ancient thinkers developed strong forms of scepticism.
- This book explains modern scepticism in simple language.
- Scepticism in philosophy asks if we can really know anything for sure.
Podstatné jméno
technical
C1
state
3
evidence-based critical attitude
A careful way of thinking where you do not believe a claim until there is good, clear evidence for it, often used in science and critical thinking.
Vzorec užití:
scientific scepticism towards [claims]
Častá chyba:
Learners sometimes think this kind of 'scepticism' is always negative. In scientific and critical-thinking contexts, it is usually seen as positive and careful, not rude or closed-minded.
Synonyma
critical thinking (Broader; includes analysis and reasoning, while 'scepticism' focuses on doubting and testing claims.)
|
questioning attitude (More informal and general; does not necessarily imply the systematic, evidence-focused approach of scientific scepticism.)
Antonyma
gullibility (Suggests believing things too easily without evidence, which is the opposite of an evidence-based sceptical attitude.)
Kolokace
scientific scepticism
|rational scepticism
|healthy scientific scepticism
|evidence-based scepticism
Témata
science
|critical thinking
|communication
Příklady
- Scientific progress depends on a balance between openness to new ideas and rigorous scepticism.
- Her scepticism about miracle cures reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based medicine.
- Media literacy courses encourage healthy scepticism towards information found online.
- The panel praised his scepticism, saying it helped reveal serious flaws in the study.
- In the classroom, the teacher tried to foster constructive scepticism rather than blind acceptance.
Učební příklady
- Good scientists use scepticism when they read new studies.
- Teachers want students to show healthy scepticism about online information.
- Her scepticism about the medicine was based on facts, not fear.
- Scepticism can protect people from false news.
- The course teaches students to use scepticism and to ask for evidence.
Gramatika
Výrazy
a degree of scepticism
1/ə dɪɡɹˈi əv skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
formal
some but not complete doubt
Some doubt, but not complete doubt; a middle level of not believing fully.
Příklady
- It is sensible to maintain a degree of scepticism about such bold claims.
- She listened politely but with a degree of scepticism.
- Even supporters expressed a degree of scepticism regarding the timeline.
be met with scepticism
1/bˈi mˈɛt wˈɪθ skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
receive a doubtful reaction
If an idea, plan, or claim is met with scepticism, many people react to it by not really believing it.
Příklady
- The announcement was met with scepticism by environmental groups.
- His explanation was met with scepticism from the press.
- The proposal to cut taxes again was met with widespread scepticism.
deep scepticism
1/dˈip skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
very strong, serious doubt
A very strong feeling that something is probably not true or will not happen.
Příklady
- There is deep scepticism among experts about the effectiveness of this policy.
- Years of broken promises have created deep scepticism about reform.
- Her deep scepticism makes her hard to convince.
express scepticism about
1/ɪkspɹˈɛs skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm əbˈaʊt/
fixed phrase
openly say you doubt something
To say in words that you are not sure something is true or will happen.
Příklady
- Several economists expressed scepticism about the government’s growth forecasts.
- Local residents expressed scepticism about the safety of the new plant.
- The committee expressed scepticism about the company’s ability to deliver on time.
growing scepticism
1/ɡɹˈoʊɪŋ skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
doubt that is increasing over time
Doubt that is becoming stronger or more common as time passes.
Příklady
- There is growing scepticism about the company’s ability to turn a profit.
- Reports of side effects have led to growing scepticism over the drug’s safety.
- Growing scepticism among voters is hurting the president’s approval ratings.
healthy scepticism
1/hˈɛlθi skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
reasonable, balanced level of doubt
A good and sensible level of doubt, where you do not believe too quickly but are still open to proof.
Příklady
- Doctors advise a healthy scepticism toward miracle diets advertised online.
- A healthy scepticism can stop you from falling for scams.
- Parents should teach children a healthy scepticism about what they see on social media.
public scepticism
1/pˈʌblɪk skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
widespread doubt among the public
Doubt that many ordinary people feel about something, such as a plan, leader, or message.
Příklady
- Public scepticism about official statistics has increased in recent years.
- The campaign failed partly because of deep public scepticism toward politicians.
- Public scepticism remains high despite the company’s new safety report.
treat [something] with scepticism
1/tɹˈit sˈʌmθɪŋ wˈɪθ skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
respond to information with doubt
To not fully believe something and to wait for good proof before you accept it as true.
Příklady
- Experts say we should treat online health claims with scepticism.
- Investors treated the company’s promises with scepticism after last year’s losses.
- Many voters treated the sudden tax cut announcement with scepticism.
view [something] with scepticism
1/vjˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ wˈɪθ skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
regard a claim with doubt
To think about something as probably not true or not fully proven.
Příklady
- Scientists view these early results with scepticism until they are repeated.
- Many citizens view the new law with scepticism after years of broken promises.
- She views any get-rich-quick scheme with scepticism.
widespread scepticism
1/wˈaɪdspɹˈɛd skˈɛptɪsˌɪzəm/
fixed phrase
doubt shared by many people
Doubt that many people have, not just a few individuals.
Příklady
- There is widespread scepticism about the accuracy of the official figures.
- The proposal was launched in an atmosphere of widespread scepticism.
- Widespread scepticism forced the company to release more data.