Doubt Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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doubt
[daสt ]
Definitions
in decision making
A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
Synonyms
questioning, skepticism, uncertainty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doubt |
Use this word when you are not sure about something.
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| uncertainty |
Use this term when describing a situation where the outcome is not known or decided.
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| skepticism |
This word is used when someone is generally distrustful or doesn't easily believe things. It often has a negative connotation.
|
| questioning |
This term is appropriate when someone is looking for answers or is curious about something.
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Examples of usage
- I have doubts about his ability to do the job.
- She had doubts about the sincerity of his apology.
expressing uncertainty
To feel uncertain about something; to be undecided or skeptical about.
Synonyms
disbelieve, question, suspect.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doubt |
Use 'doubt' in situations when there's uncertainty or lack of conviction about something. This word is neutral and commonly used in everyday conversations.
|
| question |
Use 'question' when you want to inquire about the validity or truth of something. This word is often used in formal or investigative contexts.
|
| suspect |
Use 'suspect' when you have a feeling or belief, usually based on limited evidence, that something might be true, often something negative or undesirable.
|
| disbelieve |
Use 'disbelieve' when someone refuses to accept something as true. It indicates a stronger level of rejection compared to 'doubt'. This word often carries a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- I doubt whether he will come to the party.
- She doubted the accuracy of the report.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Doubt can lead to anxiety, where one feels overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future.
- Studies show that overthinking can amplify feelings of doubt, making it hard to make decisions.
- Cognitive dissonance often results in doubt, causing discomfort when holding two conflicting beliefs.
Philosophy
- Renรฉ Descartes famously stated, 'Cogito, ergo sum' or 'I think, therefore I am', suggesting that doubt is essential to establishing certainty.
- Skepticism, a philosophical approach questioning knowledge claims, relies on the power of doubt.
- In existentialism, doubt is seen as a crucial part of the human experience, prompting individuals to seek their own truths.
Literature
- Shakespeare often explored themes of doubt, capturing characters torn between belief and skepticism.
- In 'Hamlet', the famous soliloquy 'To be, or not to be' reflects deep existential doubt.
- Many poets express doubt as part of the creative process, using it to evoke emotion and introspection.
Pop Culture
- In films, characters often face moments of doubt that lead to significant personal growth or pivotal decisions.
- Doubt is a common theme in music, with many songs exploring feelings of uncertainty in love or life.
- The 'doubt' meme highlights humorous situations where someone is uncertain about something, often used in social media culture.
Origin of 'doubt'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'dubitare', which means 'to hesitate or waver'.
- It made its way into Middle English from Old French 'doute', which also derived from Latin.
- The original sense of the word indicated not just uncertainty but also fear and suspicion.
The word 'doubt' originated from the Old French word 'dubter' and the Latin word 'dubitare', both of which mean 'to waver in opinion'. Over time, 'doubt' has come to represent a state of uncertainty or lack of conviction in one's beliefs or decisions. The concept of doubt has been explored in various philosophical and religious contexts, highlighting its role in the human experience of seeking truth and understanding.
See also: doubter, doubtful, doubtfully, doubtfulness, doubts, indubitable, indubitably, undoubted, undoubtedly.