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Skeptical vs Askance - What's the difference?

skeptical | askance |

As adjectives the difference between skeptical and askance

is that skeptical is having, or expressing doubt; questioning while askance is turned to the side, especially of the eyes.

As an adverb askance is

(of a look or glance) with disapproval, skepticism, or suspicion.

skeptical

English

Alternative forms

* sceptical (British English)

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having, or expressing doubt; questioning.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2012, month=March-April
    • , author=Colin Allen , title=Do I See What You See? , volume=100, issue=2, page=168 , magazine=(American Scientist) citation , passage=Numerous experimental tests and other observations have been offered in favor of animal mind reading, and although many scientists are skeptical , others assert that humans are not the only species capable of representing what others do and don’t perceive and know.}}
    My teacher was skeptical when I told her my dog ate my homework.
    I can see why people are so skeptical [sic] about him, but I think he's on to something here. (regarded by organizations such as the BBC as an error)
  • Of or relating to skepticism or the skeptics.

    • askance

    English

    Alternative forms

    * askaunce (obsolete)

    Adverb

    (-)
  • (of a look or glance) With disapproval, skepticism, or suspicion.
    • The beggar asked for change, but the haughty woman only looked at him askance .
  • * 1932 —
    • The scandal of opposition died down, and the stone-carver himself, though the town-folk continued to eye him askance , was able to secure other work through the favor of discriminating patrons.
  • * Gladstone
    • Both were viewed askance by authority.
  • * Landor
    • My palfrey eyed them askance .
  • Sideways; obliquely.
  • * 1896 — , chapter 8
    • I glanced askance at this strange creature, and found him watching me with his queer, restless eyes.
  • * 1878 — , chapter 1
    • ...the head-stones in the grave-yard beneath seemed to be holding themselves askance to keep it out of their faces.

    Synonyms

    * skeptically, suspiciously * obliquely, sideways

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Turned to the side, especially of the eyes.
  • * 1855 —
    • My first thought was, he lied in every word,
    That hoary cripple, with malicious eye
    Askance to watch the working of his lie

    Synonyms

    * (turned to the side) oblique, sideways