Doubt
/daʊt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA feeling of uncertainty and lack of confidence.
/daʊt/
A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
I have my doubts about her story.
💡 Simply: It's when you're not sure about something, like if you have to decide whether to go out or stay home on a rainy day.
👶 For kids: When you don't know if something is true or not.
More Examples
A shadow of doubt fell over the investigation.
She had a lingering doubt that she had made the wrong decision.
How It's Used
"He expressed his doubts about the plan's feasibility."
"Descartes used methodical doubt to question all beliefs."
To feel uncertain about something; to not believe or trust.
/daʊt/
To feel uncertain about or to be skeptical of.
I doubt that will happen.
💡 Simply: It's like when you're not sure if something is true, so you think about it carefully before believing it.
👶 For kids: To not believe something is real or true.
More Examples
She doubted his honesty.
We should doubt any claim without proof.
How It's Used
"I doubt he will arrive on time."
"It's important to doubt claims without evidence."
Idioms & expressions
without a doubt
Certainly; definitely.
"Without a doubt, she's the best candidate for the job."
in doubt
Uncertain; unsure.
"The success of the project is still in doubt."
From Old French *doute* or *dobte*, derived from Latin *dubitare* (to hesitate, be uncertain). It entered English in the late 13th century.
Historically, doubt has been used in philosophical and religious contexts to explore questions of truth and faith.
Memory tip
Imagine a see-saw tilting back and forth – that's the uncertainty of doubt.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: dubitare