Doubtfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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doubtfulness

[ˈdaʊtfʊlnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of uncertainty

Doubtfulness is the state of feeling uncertain or unsure about something. It is the lack of conviction or confidence in a particular situation, decision, or belief.

Synonyms

indecision, skepticism, uncertainty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
doubtfulness	Use when you are not sure about something or when something seems questionable. There was a tone of doubtfulness in her voice when she spoke about the plan
uncertainty	Use when the situation is not clear or predictable, often indicating a lack of certainty about the future. The uncertainty surrounding the election results was causing a lot of anxiety among the citizens
indecision	Use when someone is struggling to make a choice or decision. His indecision about what career path to take was causing him a lot of stress
skepticism	Use when someone doubts the truth or validity of something, often used in situations involving disbelief or questioning. Her skepticism towards the new policy was evident in her questions during the meeting

Examples of usage

I sensed doubtfulness in her voice when she answered the question.
The doubtfulness of the weather forecast made us hesitant to plan an outdoor picnic.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

quality of being doubtful

Doubtfulness can also refer to the quality of being doubtful or questionable. It implies a sense of skepticism or lack of trust in the validity or truthfulness of something.

Synonyms

dubiousness, questionableness, suspicion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
doubtfulness	Used when there is a general sense of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something. It can apply to opinions, outcomes, or decisions. Her doubtfulness about the plan was evident in her hesitation The doubtfulness of his answer made everyone question his honesty
questionableness	Used to describe something that is open to doubt or dispute, often suggesting that it may not meet accepted standards or expectations. The questionableness of his qualifications became clear during the interview The questionableness of the results led to a reevaluation of the experiment
dubiousness	Used when there is a strong sense of skepticism or suspicion about someone's claims or actions. Often implies that something is likely not to be true or trustworthy. The dubiousness of his story raised several red flags There was a feeling of dubiousness among the investors about the company's financial health
suspicion	Used when there is a belief or feeling that someone is involved in something wrong or illegal. Carries a negative connotation. Her suspicion was aroused when she saw him leaving the building late at night The police acted on their suspicion and began an investigation

Examples of usage

The doubtfulness of the evidence raised concerns about the reliability of the testimony.
Her constant doubtfulness made it hard for others to trust her judgment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiencing doubt is a normal part of decision-making, as it often leads to weighing pros and cons.
Cognitive dissonance can cause doubtfulness; when our beliefs clash with new information, we may feel uncertain.
People with anxiety disorders may experience heightened feelings of doubtfulness in everyday decisions.

Philosophy

René Descartes famously stated, 'Cogito, ergo sum' ('I think, therefore I am'), highlighting doubt as a fundamental part of human existence.
Skepticism, a philosophical movement, embraces doubtfulness as a tool to question knowledge and beliefs.
Existential doubt raises questions about meaning and purpose in life, prompting deeper self-reflection.

Pop Culture

Doubtfulness is often portrayed in films where characters struggle to trust themselves or others, leading to suspense.
In literature, characters embodying doubtfulness can be relatable, showcasing internal conflicts in works like Hamlet.
The song 'Doubt' by the band 'The Proclaimers' captures the essence of uncertainty in relationships.

Science

In scientific research, doubtfulness can drive inquiry, encouraging scientists to question results and explore further.
The replication crisis highlights doubtfulness in social sciences, as researchers often struggle to replicate findings reliably.
The scientific method is grounded in questioning and skepticism, making doubt a crucial part of discovery.

Origin of 'doubtfulness'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Old English 'dōht,' meaning 'to fear or hesitate.'
It is related to the Latin word 'dubitare,' which means 'to doubt or question.'
The prefix 'doubt-' is combined with 'fulness,' indicating a state of being.

The word 'doubtfulness' originated from Middle English 'dowtfulness,' which evolved from the Old English 'dūhtefulnes.' The concept of doubt has been present in human consciousness for centuries, reflecting the inherent uncertainty and questioning nature of human thought and belief.