I. ˈdau̇t verb
Etymology: Middle English douten, from Anglo-French duter, douter, from Latin dubitare to be in doubt; akin to Latin dubius dubious
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1. archaic
a. : fear
b. : suspect
2. : to be in doubt about
he doubt s everyone's word
3.
a. : to lack confidence in : distrust
find myself doubt ing 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
II. noun
Date: 13th century
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 doubt s about his abilities
b. : an inclination not to believe or accept
a claim met with doubt
Synonyms: see uncertainty
•
- no doubt