Doubt

Definition

Doubt refers to a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction about the truth, reality, or reliability of something. It can also mean to question or feel uncertain about the validity of an idea, decision, or belief.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daʊt/
• Respelling: dowt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /daʊt/
• Respelling: dowt

Etymology

The word "doubt" originates from the Latin "dubitare," meaning "to waver in opinion" or "to be uncertain," which entered Old French as "douter." It was adopted into Middle English in the 13th century with the meaning of feeling uncertain or questioning something.

Derivatives

• Doubtful (adjective)
• Doubtless (adjective/adverb)
• Undoubted (adjective)
• Doubtingly (adverb)
• Indubitable (adjective)

Synonyms

• Uncertainty
• Skepticism
• Hesitation

Antonyms

• Certainty
• Conviction
• Confidence

Usage

The noun "doubt" is often used to express a state of uncertainty or questioning. For example, "He had doubt about the accuracy of the report." As a verb, it refers to the act of feeling uncertain or questioning something, as in "She began to doubt her decision."

Related Terms

• Suspicion: A feeling that something might not be true or genuine.
• Ambiguity: A state of being open to more than one interpretation.
• Uncertainty: The state of being unsure or not fully confident.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction: Refers to being unsure or unconvinced about the truth or reliability of something.
  • Example: "There was some doubt about whether the event would go ahead as planned."

Verb

• To feel uncertain about something: Implies questioning or hesitating to believe the validity of something.
  • Example: "She began to doubt his explanation."
• To regard something as unlikely or implausible: Suggests a lack of belief in the possibility or truth of something.
  • Example: "He doubted that the plan would succeed."