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Dubious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dubious

[ˈdjuːbiəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect

Synonyms

doubtful, questionable, suspicious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dubious

Used when you have doubts about something because it seems unlikely or not trustworthy. Often conveys a sense of skepticism or hesitation.

  • He made a dubious claim about knowing the president personally.
  • She was dubious about the success of the new project.
doubtful

Used when you are uncertain or not confident about something happening. It expresses a lack of certainty or conviction.

  • It's doubtful that he will arrive on time, given the heavy traffic.
  • She is doubtful about the results of the experiment.
suspicious

Used when you believe something is wrong or someone might be doing something illegal or dishonest. It usually implies a high level of mistrust.

  • She gave him a suspicious look when he mentioned his alibi.
  • The police found his behavior suspicious and decided to investigate further.
questionable

Used when something is open to doubt or suspicion, often implying that it might not be acceptable or ethical. It has a connotation of potential wrongdoing or unreliability.

  • His actions during the meeting were highly questionable.
  • The quality of the product is questionable at best.

Examples of usage

  • He gave me a dubious look.
  • I have a dubious feeling about this plan.
  • The witness's testimony was considered dubious by the jury.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

not to be relied upon; suspect

Synonyms

questionable, shady, unreliable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dubious

Used when something is uncertain or doubtful, often referring to opinions or integrity.

  • She gave him a dubious look when he explained his story.
  • They were dubious about the success of the new project.
questionable

Used when something is suspected to be false, dishonest, or not reliable. It often refers to actions or decisions.

  • The company's questionable practices were exposed by the investigation.
  • His questionable decision cost the team their chance to win.
shady

Has a negative connotation and is used to describe something or someone that seems dishonest or suspicious, often in an illegal or unethical context.

  • He seemed like a shady character involved in illegal activities.
  • They were caught making a shady deal in a back alley.
unreliable

Used to describe someone or something that cannot be trusted or depended on, often referring to performance or trustworthiness.

  • The car is old and unreliable, so it breaks down frequently.
  • He is an unreliable friend who never shows up on time.

Examples of usage

  • The quality of the product was dubious.
  • The source of the information was dubious.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Characters in films and books often have dubious motives, adding intrigue and suspense to the story.
  • Many songs reference dubious situations or relationships, emphasizing mistrust and uncertainty.
  • Reality TV often thrives on dubious claims to reel in viewers, blurring the line between truth and entertainment.

Psychology

  • Dubious beliefs can lead to cognitive dissonance, where people struggle to reconcile conflicting ideas.
  • When presented with dubious information, individuals may experience feelings of distrust or skepticism, impacting their decision-making.
  • A common psychological tendency is to perceive dubious messages more critically, questioning their validity and intent.

Literature

  • In detective novels, dubious characters are often crucial for plot twists, keeping readers guessing.
  • Classic literature often highlights dubious ethical dilemmas, prompting readers to think about morals and choices.
  • Dubious narrators, who may not be completely trustworthy, are popular in modern fiction, creating a layered storytelling experience.

Legal Context

  • Many legal decisions revolve around dubious evidence, prompting debates on its admissibility in court.
  • Laws are sometimes created to address dubious practices in business, ensuring fairness and transparency.
  • The concept of 'dubious consent' in legal terms highlights the importance of clear agreement in sensitive situations.

Origin of 'dubious'

Main points about word origin

  • The word has its roots in the Latin word 'dubius', meaning 'doubtful'.
  • It was borrowed into English in the late 16th century, reflecting the growing use of skepticism in society.
  • The prefix 'du-' relates to the idea of two or double, hinting at the dual nature of trust when something is dubious.

The word 'dubious' originated from the Latin word 'dubius', meaning doubtful or wavering. It has been used in the English language since the late 16th century. Over time, 'dubious' has evolved to signify something uncertain, questionable, or not to be relied upon.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,745, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.