skepticism
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skepticism
An attitude of doubt or mistrust toward claims, people, or situations.
Trotz der positiven Berichte blieb eine gewisse Skepsis gegenüber dem neuen Produkt.
Despite the positive reports, a certain skepticism toward the new product remained.
'Die Skepsis' (skepticism) is the noun corresponding to the adjective 'skeptisch' (skeptical). If a person is 'skeptisch' (skeptical), then they feel or show 'Skepsis' (skepticism).
Er ist von Natur aus skeptisch und glaubt nicht alles sofort.
He is skeptical by nature and doesn't believe everything immediately.
To express what the doubt refers to, 'Skepsis' (skepticism) is very often used with the preposition 'gegenüber' (toward) and the dative.
Die Bevölkerung zeigte große Skepsis gegenüber den Plänen der Regierung.
The population showed great skepticism toward the government's plans.
Common verbs used with 'Skepsis' (skepticism) are 'Skepsis äußern' (to express skepticism), 'Skepsis zeigen' (to show skepticism), or 'auf Skepsis stoßen' (to meet with skepticism).
Der Vorschlag stieß im Team zunächst auf große Skepsis.
The proposal initially met with great skepticism in the team.
As an abstract noun, 'Skepsis' (skepticism) is used almost exclusively in the singular. A plural form ('die Skepsen') does exist, but it is extremely rare in normal usage.
Eine gesunde Portion Skepsis ist bei solchen Angeboten immer ratsam.
A healthy dose of skepticism is always advisable with offers like these.
doubt
'der Zweifel' and 'die Skepsis' both have to do with uncertainty. 'Zweifel' more often means the feeling that you are not sure whether something is true, correct, or possible. 'Skepsis' is more of a cautious or mistrustful attitude toward a statement, a person, or a situation. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases you do not immediately believe something. In practical terms: 'Zweifel' fits well with a specific question or decision, while 'Skepsis' fits more with a general critical attitude.
Du bleibst skeptisch, weil der Verkäufer sehr viel verspricht.
You remain skeptical because the salesperson promises a lot.
Nach dem Gespräch hat die Kundin Zweifel, ob das Angebot wirklich günstig ist.
After the conversation, the customer has doubts about whether the offer is really a good deal.