doubt

¹doubt

verb \ˈdau̇t\

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 \ˈdau̇-tə-bəl\ adjective

— doubt·er noun

— doubt·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of DOUBT

1. I have always doubted the existence of life on other planets.
2. No one doubts that the mission will be a success.
3. I seriously doubt my parents will let me go.
4. “Do you think you can come tonight?” “I doubt it.”
5. She doubted his ability to succeed.
6. He said he could do it, but I couldn't help doubting him.

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

Synonyms

distrust, misdoubt, mistrust, question, suspect

Antonyms

trust

Related Words

disbelieve, discount, discredit, negate

Near Antonyms

bank (on or upon), count (on or upon), depend (on or upon), rely (on or upon)

Rhymes with DOUBT

bout, clout, drought, flout, glout, gout, grout, knout, kraut, lout, out, pout, rout, route, scout, shout, snout, spout, sprout, stout, tout, trout

²doubt

noun

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

: ¹doubtless

Examples of DOUBT

1. I still have moments of doubt.
2. There can be little doubt that smoking is bad for your health.
3. I had a nagging doubt in the back of my mind.

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

Related Words

disbelief, incredulity, unbelief; anxiety, concern, paranoia, wariness; compunction, niggle [chiefly British], qualm, scruple, tremor

Near Antonyms

credence, faith

See Synonym Discussion at uncertainty