Epäuskoinen

Epäuskoinen is a Finnish word used as an adjective to describe someone who does not believe, i.e., unbelieving or skeptical. In religious discussions it refers to a person who does not accept the claims of a religion or deity; more generally it can describe a stance of disbelief toward a proposition. The opposite term is uskovainen, meaning believer.

Etymology and form: The word is built from the negating prefix epä- meaning “not” combined with a stem related to usko, “belief.” As an adjective it agrees with the noun it describes (for example, epäuskoinen henkilö). In some contexts epäuskoinen can also be used as a substantive to denote an unbeliever, though usage as a noun is less common than its adjectival function.

Usage and nuance: The term can be neutral in academic or philosophical discourse, simply signaling disbelief or skepticism. In everyday language it often carries a pejorative nuance, sometimes implying a lack of faith or stubborn doubt. When a softer alternative is desired, words such as epäilevä or skeptinen may be used.

Related terms and concepts: Epäuskoinen is part of a family of words built around belief, including usko (belief), epäusko (disbelief), and uskonto (religion). It forms a contrast with uskovainen (believer) and is frequently encountered in discussions about faith, religion, and the nature of belief.