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)

[+]more[-]hide

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