DictionaryAI

doubt

DOWT/daʊt/

Pluraldoubts

Verbdoubts, doubting, doubted

6 meanings of doubt

Practice

  1. 1
    lack of certaintynouncountable or uncountable
    A feeling that you are not sure about something or do not believe it.

    Like a small voice in your head asking, "Are you really sure?"

    I have no doubt that you can finish the race.

    Her doubts about the plan grew as the days passed.

    UsageSay have no doubt that or have doubts about something.

    Similaruncertainty, misgiving, skepticism, suspicion, reservation

    Oppositeconfidence, belief, faith

    Note
  2. 2
    question (truth)verbtransitive or intransitive
    To not be sure about something, or to not believe it is true.

    Like asking yourself "Is that really true?" before you believe it.

    I doubt he will arrive on time.

    She doubted whether the story was really true.

    UsageI doubt it means you think it is not true.

    Similardistrust, mistrust

    Oppositetrust, believe, accept

  3. 3
    think likelyverbtransitive
    To suspect something, or to think that it is probably true.
    I walk by the Rule of my Maſter, you walk by the rude working of your fancies. You are counted thieves already, by the Lord of the way; therefore, I doubt you will not be found true men at the end of the way.
    1678, John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World

    Similarsuspect, fear

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    class questionnounIndiacountable
    A question you ask when you do not understand something, often in class.

    Like raising your hand to ask about something that isn't clear yet.

    Please ask the teacher if you have a doubt about the lesson.

    After class, several students cleared their doubts with the professor.

    UsageStudents have a doubt or clear their doubts with a teacher.

    Note
  2. 5
    verbarchaictransitive
    An old meaning: to be afraid of something, or fear that something bad will happen.
    Note
  3. 6
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To make someone afraid.
    Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of doubt apart? Answer 2 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

The word came through Old French from Latin dubitare, meaning to be uncertain. The 'b' was added later to match the Latin spelling but is never pronounced.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts