Doubts Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ค
doubts
[daสts ]
Definitions
in decision-making
Feelings of uncertainty or lack of conviction about something.
Synonyms
hesitation, skepticism, uncertainty.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doubts |
When you are unsure or have a lack of confidence in something. Often used in both everyday and formal contexts.
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| uncertainty |
When you are unable to predict or are unsure about an outcome or situation. Often used in both personal and broader contexts.
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| skepticism |
When you have a questioning attitude or doubt something is true or valid. This word often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation.
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| hesitation |
When you are pausing or delaying because you are unsure or nervous. Often used in situations where a decision or action is being delayed.
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Examples of usage
- I have doubts about his ability to lead the team.
- She expressed doubts about the accuracy of the report.
expressing
To feel uncertain or lack confidence in.
Synonyms
disbelieve, question, suspect.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| doubts |
Use 'doubts' when expressing uncertainty or lack of conviction about something, often in a neutral or thoughtful manner.
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| question |
Use 'question' when you are raising inquiries or expressing uncertainty about something. It can be used in a formal or informal context.
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| disbelieve |
Use 'disbelieve' when rejecting the truth or validity of something. This word often has a stronger or more definitive connotation than 'doubts'.
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| suspect |
Use 'suspect' when you have a feeling or belief, often without full proof, that something may be true or someone may be guilty of something. This word can carry a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- I doubt whether he will come to the party.
- She doubted her own abilities.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Doubt can be a healthy part of decision-making, helping people weigh options carefully.
- The phenomenon known as 'imposter syndrome' stems from self-doubt, where individuals feel they are not as competent as others perceive them to be.
- Research shows that embracing doubt can lead to greater creativity and better problem-solving skills.
Literature
- William Shakespeare often explored themes of doubt in his plays, such as Hamletโs famous soliloquy grappling with existence and action.
- Doubts can be a significant plot device in literature, driving characters to undergo personal growth or inner conflict.
- Novels like 'Pride and Prejudice' showcase characters experiencing doubts in their perceptions of others, leading to revelations and change.
Philosophy
- Philosopher Renรฉ Descartes famously stated, 'Cogito, ergo sum' or 'I think, therefore I am,' highlighting doubt as a fundamental aspect of human existence.
- Skepticism, or the philosophical approach that doubts knowledge claims, plays a significant role in scientific inquiry and inquiry into beliefs.
- Existentialist thinkers discuss doubt as an essential part of freedom, as it challenges individuals to find meaning in a seemingly uncertain world.
Pop Culture
- Songs like 'Doubt' by the band 'The 1975' express feelings of uncertainty in relationships.
- Movies often depict doubt in charactersโ journeys, like in 'The Pursuit of Happyness,' where the protagonist struggles with self-doubt before finding success.
- Doubt is a common theme in reality TV, where contestants often face self-doubt regarding their abilities and decisions.
Origin of 'doubts'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'doubt' comes from the Latin 'dubitare,' meaning 'to be uncertain.'
- In Old French, 'doute' was used to express uncertainty, which influenced modern English.
- The root is tied to the Proto-Indo-European word 'dสฐeu-' meaning 'to build' or 'to put in order,' hinting at the confusion that comes from uncertainty.
The word 'doubts' originated from the Old French word 'doter', meaning 'to be doubtful'. Over time, the word evolved to its current form in English, retaining its core meaning of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
See also: doubt, doubter, doubtful, doubtfully, doubtfulness, indubitable, indubitably, undoubted, undoubtedly.