Dictionary

1doubt

verb \ˈdat\

: 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
1
archaic
a :  fear
b :  suspect
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 \ˈda-tə-bəl\ adjective
doubt·er noun
doubt·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
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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
First Known Use: 13th century

Related to DOUBT

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

First Known Use of DOUBT

13th century

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>.
DOUBTS Defined for Kids

1doubt

verb \ˈdat\
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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