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doubt
/dʌʊt/
This word carries a psychological weight of hesitation and skepticism. It suggests a mental gap between belief and certainty, often creating a sense of tension or instability in one's conviction.
In social contexts, expressing doubt can range from a polite expression of skepticism to a direct challenge of someone's credibility. It is frequently used to soften a disagreement or to signal a need for further evidence before acceptance.
Uncountable when referring to a general state of uncertainty (There is some doubt). Countable when referring to specific points of uncertainty or individual hesitations (I have a few doubts about the contract).
💬Casual Conversation
I've decided to start a 'book club' with the crew. You in?
I highly doubt anyone here has time for that, Zorg.
Meanings
Examples
I have some doubt.
I doubt it.
Do not doubt me.
She doubted the news at first.
There is no doubt about it.
I doubt he can come today.
I doubt we can finish this by Friday.
The detective had doubts about the witness.
I never doubted your love for me.
Beyond a reasonable doubt, the defendant is guilty.
I doubt that the merger will be approved.
Please accept my apologies if I doubted you.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French word douter, which evolved from the Latin dubitare, meaning to hesitate or be uncertain. This Latin root is further traced back to dubius, meaning wavering or undecided, which is composed of the prefix duo meaning two, suggesting a state of being pulled in two different directions.