sceptische

Sceptische is a Dutch adjective meaning skeptical, used to describe doubt, inquiry, or cautious doubt about claims, beliefs, or ideas. In standard usage it describes people, attitudes, statements, or positions that favour doubt or requires justification before accepting something as true. The form is commonly seen before definite nouns, for example de sceptische houding (the skeptical attitude) or de sceptische onderzoeker (the skeptical researcher).

Etymology and language notes

Sceptische derives from the Dutch word sceptisch, itself from the Greek skeptikos, via Latin scepticus and French sceptique. The spelling traditionally uses sceptisch in the base form, with sceptische appearing as the attributive form before definite nouns. Dutch orthography and usage treat the term as a standard descriptor in both everyday language and formal writing.

Usage and contexts

The term is widely used in journalism, science, and public discourse to characterize doubt or critical examination. It can describe a cautious stance toward extraordinary claims, the demand for evidence, or a general tendency to question assumptions. In philosophy, sceptische ideas relate to skepticism, a broader tradition that questions the possibility of certain knowledge.

See also

Skepticism, Skeptical (in English), Scepticism (philosophy).