First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1doubt
verb \ˈdau̇t\
: to be uncertain about (something) : to believe that (something) may not be true or is unlikely
: to have no confidence in (someone or something)
Full Definition of DOUBT
transitive verb
2
: to be in doubt about <he doubts everyone's word>
3
a : to lack confidence in : distrust <find myself doubting him even when I know that he is honest — H. L. Mencken> b : to consider unlikely <I doubt if I can go>
intransitive verb
: to be uncertain
— doubt·able \ˈdau̇-tə-bəl\ adjective
— doubt·er noun
— doubt·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
See doubt defined for English-language learners
See doubt defined for kids
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Origin of DOUBT
Middle English douten, from Anglo-French duter, douter, from Latin dubitare to be in doubt; akin to Latin dubius dubious
2doubt
noun
: a feeling of being uncertain or unsure about something
Full Definition of DOUBT
1
a : uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making b : a deliberate suspension of judgment
2
: a state of affairs giving rise to uncertainty, hesitation, or suspense <the outcome is still in doubt>
3
a : a lack of confidence : distrust <has doubts about his abilities> b : an inclination not to believe or accept <a claim met with doubt>
— no doubt
See doubt defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DOUBT
13th century
Related to DOUBT
- Synonyms
- distrust, distrustfulness, dubiety, dubitation [archaic], incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrust, mistrustfulness, query, reservation, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainty
- Antonyms
- assurance, belief, certainty, certitude, confidence, conviction, sureness, surety, trust
Synonym Discussion of DOUBT
uncertainty, doubt, dubiety, skepticism, suspicion, mistrust mean lack of sureness about someone or something. uncertainty may range from a falling short of certainty to an almost complete lack of conviction or knowledge especially about an outcome or result <assumed the role of manager without hesitation or uncertainty>. doubt suggests both uncertainty and inability to make a decision <plagued by doubts as to what to do>. dubiety stresses a wavering between conclusions <felt some dubiety about its practicality>. skepticism implies unwillingness to believe without conclusive evidence <an economic forecast greeted with skepticism>. suspicion stresses lack of faith in the truth, reality, fairness, or reliability of something or someone <regarded the stranger with suspicion>. mistrust implies a genuine doubt based upon suspicion <had a great mistrust of doctors>.
DOUBT Defined for Kids
1doubt
verb \ˈdau̇t\
doubt·eddoubt·ing
Definition of DOUBT for Kids
1
: to be uncertain about <I doubt he's right.>
2
: to lack confidence in <I doubted my own judgment.>
3
: to consider unlikely <I doubt I can go tonight.>
2doubt
noun
Definition of DOUBT for Kids
1
: a feeling of being uncertain <Their predicament filled her with doubt.>
2
: a reason for disbelief <There can be no doubt that you have a most unusual pig. — E. B. White, Charlotte's Web>
3
: the condition of being undecided <Our plans are now in doubt.>
4
: a lack of trust <I have my doubts about this explanation.>
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