Dubious
ˈd(j)uːbiəs
Definitions
2 meaningsNot certain or reliable; causing doubt.
ˈd(j)uːbiəs
Hesitating or doubting.
I'm dubious about the weather forecast; it always seems to be wrong.
💡 Simply: It means you're not sure if something is true or good. Like, if your friend tells you they can fly, you'd probably feel dubious.
👶 For kids: When you're dubious, it means you're not sure if something is true or if you can trust it.
More Examples
The company's claims about their product are dubious.
He cast a dubious glance at the stranger.
How It's Used
"She was dubious about the plan's practicality."
"The evidence presented was dubious, leading to skepticism in the jury."
Morally questionable; of doubtful honesty or respectability.
ˈd(j)uːbiəs
Of questionable character.
The politician had a dubious past and many people did not trust him.
💡 Simply: It's used to describe someone or something that you can't quite trust, maybe because they've done some not-so-good things.
👶 For kids: When someone or something is dubious, it means you might not be sure if they're being honest or if you can believe them.
More Examples
They were involved in some dubious business practices.
The dubious nature of the evidence meant the case was dismissed.
How It's Used
"His actions raised some dubious ethical concerns."
"She had a dubious reputation in the community."
From Latin dubius ('doubtful, wavering'), from duo ('two') + -bius (a suffix). Originally referred to being caught between two opinions or having two possible outcomes.
The word 'dubious' has been used since the 14th century in English, evolving from its Latin root related to doubt.
Memory tip
Think of a 'double' - when you have a double of something, you have a second thing, which might make you doubtful of the original.