skeptically

Skeptically is an adverb that describes performing an action with doubt or a questioning attitude. It modifies verbs and often conveys a stance of caution or demand for evidence rather than a firm belief. The word stems from the adjective skeptical, which itself comes from the Greek skeptikos, meaning "able to examine" or "inquiring," via Latin and English evolution; the -ly suffix forms the adverb.

In usage, skeptically typically signals careful or critical evaluation of claims, data, or conclusions. It can describe how someone looks at results, reads a report, or challenges a premise. Examples: "The reviewer looked at the methodology skeptically," "They asked the crowd to examine the claim skeptically." It is distinct from cynically, which implies contempt, whereas skeptically emphasizes inquiry and doubt.

Related terms include skepticism (the noun for a doubting attitude), skeptical (the adjective), and to doubt or to question. In professional contexts such as science and journalism, skeptical scrutiny is valued as a form of rigorous examination, though excessive skepticism can impede the acceptance of valid evidence.