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Sceptic vs Pessimistic - What's the difference?

sceptic | pessimistic |

As a noun sceptic

is someone who is undecided as to what is true and enquires after facts.

As an adjective pessimistic is

marked by pessimism and little hopefulness; expecting the worst.

sceptic

English

Alternative forms

* skeptic (US )

Noun

(en noun)
  • Someone who is undecided as to what is true and enquires after facts.
  • Someone who habitually doubts accepted beliefs and claims presented by others, requiring strong evidence before accepting any belief or claim.
  • Usage notes

    Sceptic is more commonly used in the British Commonwealth, while in the US skeptic is used instead.

    pessimistic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Marked by pessimism and little hopefulness; expecting the worst.
  • a pessimistic view of the future
  • Pertaining to the worst-case scenario.
  • a pessimistic estimate

    Antonyms

    * optimistic