I'm struggling to think of a word to use for the title phrases. The context would be someone promising to do something and it being met with the answer "yeah right" or "yeah I've heard it all before" So I want to finish the sentence - This was initially met with ----
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Both are fine ways of saying that you have little optimism in the outcome promised by your conversational partner. "Doubt" is the word that describes the feeling.– SteOct 2, 2013 at 19:51
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4 Answers
I confess your question is somewhat confusing to me. My answer below is targetted towards your last sentence, "This was initially met with ----."
This word has fallen out of use, but dubiosity fits the context.
Incredulity would fit the bill as well, but I think the answer you're looking for is skepticism
Skepticism - a skeptical attitude; doubt as to the truth of something
"This was initially met with skepticism."
answered Oct 2, 2013 at 19:54
I like apprehension or hesitation depending on the exact meaning you want to convey. Probably apprehension here.
I would recommend misgivings or reservation.
noun Often, misgivings. a feeling of doubt, distrust, or apprehension.
an exception or qualification made expressly or tacitly:
to accept something, but with inner reservations.
Depending on the exact exchange and the tone, the response could be considered dismissive
reacting to something in a way that shows you do not think it is worth paying attention to
An alternative in the same vein is derision
the opinion that someone or something is stupid, unimportant, or useless
If the tone was not so pointedly negative, it might be considered humoring. Humor (the verb) is defined as
to agree to someone’s wishes in order to help improve that person’s mood or to avoid upsetting him or her
