Doubtful
'daʊtfəl
Definitions
2 meaningsUncertain or hesitant in belief or opinion; feeling or showing doubt.
'daʊtfəl
Feeling uncertain or unsure about something.
She was doubtful about his promises.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're not sure if it's going to rain or not. You feel 'doubtful' about it! Like, you have a little question in your head. For example: "I'm doubtful that the pizza will arrive before the movie starts!"
👶 For kids: When you're not sure if something is true or will happen, you're doubtful.
More Examples
The weather forecast was doubtful, so we packed for all eventualities.
I'm doubtful that this plan will work.
How It's Used
"I am doubtful about the accuracy of that information."
"The company's future seemed doubtful after the major setback."
Not likely to happen or succeed; open to doubt.
'daʊtfəl
Unlikely to happen or succeed.
The outcome of the election is doubtful.
💡 Simply: Imagine you try to throw a ball and you're not sure if you'll make it into the hoop. It looks 'doubtful'. For example: "The success of the experiment seemed doubtful."
👶 For kids: When something might not happen or work, it's doubtful.
More Examples
The patient's recovery seemed doubtful.
Whether the project would be completed on time was doubtful.
How It's Used
"The chances of the bill passing were doubtful."
"His participation in the game is doubtful due to injury."
Idioms & expressions
beyond a shadow of a doubt
Without any uncertainty or question; certainly.
"The evidence proved, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he was guilty."
From Middle English *doubtful*, from *doute* ('doubt') + *-ful* ('full of').
The word 'doubtful' has been in use since the 14th century, evolving from legal and religious contexts to broader application.
Memory tip
Think of a cloud of *doubt* hanging over something, making you *full of* uncertainty.