Epäusko

Epäusko is a Finnish noun meaning disbelief, doubt, or skepticism toward a statement, claim, or belief. The word is formed from the prefix epä-, indicating negation, and usko, which means belief or faith. In everyday use, epäusko describes a personal feeling of doubt about something presented as true, or a skeptical attitude in general.

The term can be used in various contexts. It may express critical thinking or hesitation before accepting information, such as in news, rumors, or explanations. In religious or spiritual discussions, epäusko often refers to a lack of faith or non-belief, and it can overlap with terms describing atheism or agnosticism, depending on context and nuance. The surrounding wording usually clarifies whether the doubt is temporary skepticism, a position of non-belief, or a careful stance toward evidence.

Common collocations include expressing epäuskonsa (one’s disbelief), showing epäusko (displaying skepticism), and remaining epäilevä (being doubtful). Related concepts are epäilys (doubt) and epävarmuus (uncertainty), while anti-terms include usko (belief) and skeptisismi (skepticism) in the broader sense.

Culturally, epäusko appears in both everyday conversation and public discourse, where it can signal cautious evaluation of contested claims or, in religious contexts, a declaration of non-belief. The precise interpretation of epäusko depends on tone, context, and accompanying language.