Dictionary monolingual
English
Doubt
daʊt
Very common
~ 2900
~ 2900
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Doubt -
to feel uncertain about something; to lack confidence in something
Example: I doubt if he will come to the party tonight.
Usage: formalContext: academic discussions, professional settings
Note: Used to express skepticism or uncertainty about a situation or statement.
to suspect or have reason to believe that something is not true or will not happen
Example: I doubt she is telling the truth about her whereabouts.
Usage: formalContext: legal proceedings, serious discussions
Note: Implies a stronger sense of disbelief or suspicion compared to the first meaning.
a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction
Example: Despite his assurances, she had doubts about his sincerity.
Usage: neutralContext: everyday conversations, written communication
Note: Can refer to a general feeling of uncertainty or hesitation without specifying a particular reason.
Doubt's synonyms
uncertainty
Uncertainty refers to a lack of certainty or confidence in something.
Example: There is some uncertainty about the outcome of the project.
Note: Uncertainty is a broader term that encompasses doubt but also includes other factors like unpredictability or ambiguity.
skepticism
Skepticism involves doubting or questioning the validity or truth of something.
Example: She expressed skepticism about the new product's effectiveness.
Note: Skepticism often implies a more critical or questioning attitude towards a claim or belief.
hesitation
Hesitation refers to a moment of pausing or reluctance before making a decision or taking action.
Example: I sensed a hesitation in his response, indicating his doubt about the plan.
Note: Hesitation is more about a temporary pause or reluctance, while doubt is a general lack of certainty or belief.
misgiving
Misgiving is a feeling of doubt or apprehension about something.
Example: She had misgivings about accepting the job offer.
Note: Misgiving often involves a sense of unease or foreboding about a particular situation or decision.
Doubt expressions, common phrases
Give someone the benefit of the doubt
To believe someone is telling the truth or has good intentions, even if there is reason to doubt.
Example: I know she's often late, but this time let's give her the benefit of the doubt and assume there was traffic.
Note: This phrase emphasizes choosing to trust or believe in someone despite uncertainties.
Cast doubt on
To cause uncertainty or skepticism about something.
Example: The new evidence casts doubt on the accuracy of the witness's testimony.
Note: While 'doubt' is a feeling of uncertainty, 'cast doubt on' actively creates doubt or skepticism.
Beyond a shadow of a doubt
Absolutely certain, with no room for doubt.
Example: The DNA evidence proves his guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Note: This phrase signifies complete certainty, unlike the inherent uncertainty of 'doubt.'
In doubt
Uncertain or not confirmed.
Example: His future remains in doubt until the final decision is made.
Note: While 'doubt' is the feeling of uncertainty itself, 'in doubt' refers to a situation or status of uncertainty.
Doubtful of
To lack confidence or trust in something or someone.
Example: She is doubtful of his intentions after what happened last time.
Note: This phrase indicates a lack of belief or trust, beyond just the feeling of uncertainty that 'doubt' conveys.
No doubt
Without question or uncertainty; certainly.
Example: No doubt, he is the best candidate for the job.
Note: While 'doubt' implies uncertainty, 'no doubt' expresses absolute certainty or confidence.
Put in doubt
To raise uncertainty about something; to question its validity.
Example: The recent findings put the validity of the theory in doubt.
Note: Similar to 'cast doubt on,' this phrase involves actively raising questions about the validity of something.
Doubt everyday (slang) expressions
Doubt it
This phrase is commonly used in spoken English to express skepticism or disbelief about a statement or situation.
Example: I doubt it will rain tomorrow.
Note: The slang term 'doubt it' is more casual and direct compared to using just 'doubt' in a sentence.
I have my doubts
This expression is used to indicate that one is uncertain or skeptical about something.
Example: I have my doubts about his story.
Note: The slang phrase 'I have my doubts' is informal and suggests a personal level of skepticism beyond just 'doubt'.
Got a sneaking suspicion
This idiom implies having a secret or unspoken feeling that something is true or likely.
Example: I've got a sneaking suspicion that she's not telling the truth.
Note: The slang term 'got a sneaking suspicion' is more nuanced and informal compared to a general sense of doubt.
Fishy
This slang term is used to describe something suspicious, questionable, or not quite right.
Example: His explanation sounds fishy to me.
Note: The term 'fishy' conveys a sense of suspicion without directly using the word 'doubt'.
Sketchy
In informal language, 'sketchy' is used to describe something dubious, unreliable, or untrustworthy.
Example: The whole situation seems a bit sketchy to me.
Note: Using 'sketchy' implies a stronger sense of uncertainty or questionable nature compared to simply 'doubt'.
I smell a rat
This expression suggests a belief that something is wrong or suspicious, usually related to a particular situation.
Example: I smell a rat in this deal; it doesn't seem right.
Note: The slang term 'smell a rat' is more figurative and vivid in conveying a sense of doubt or suspicion.
Something's off
This phrase indicates a vague feeling that something is wrong, strange, or not as it should be.
Example: I can't put my finger on it, but something's off about this situation.
Note: Using 'something's off' implies a subtle sense of doubt or unease without explicitly saying 'doubt'.
Doubt - Examples
Doubt is creeping in about his ability to lead the team.
I have some doubts about the accuracy of the information.
She expressed her doubts about the safety of the new product.
Doubt grammar
Doubt - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: doubt
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): doubts, doubt
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): doubt
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): doubted
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): doubting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): doubts
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): doubt
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): doubt
Syllables, Separation and Stress
doubt Contains 1 syllables: doubt
Phonetic transcription: ˈdau̇t
doubt , ˈdau̇t (The red syllable is stressed)
Doubt - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
doubt: ~ 2900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
...