Definition

1. Noun:

   • A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction: A state of mind where one questions the truth, factuality, or existence of something.
   • The condition of being undecided: The state of being unsure about a fact, decision, or person.

2. Verb:

   • To feel uncertain about; to question: To lack confidence in the truth, reliability, or likelihood of something or someone.
   • To consider unlikely: To regard something as improbable or questionable.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She had serious doubt about the plan's feasibility.
  • His story was met with doubt and skepticism.
  • There is no doubt that he is the best candidate for the job.

• Verb:

  • I doubt the accuracy of these figures.
  • They doubt his ability to lead the team.
  • Do you doubt my word?

Advanced Usage

• "Beyond a shadow of a doubt": With absolute certainty; leaving no possibility for uncertainty.

  • The evidence proved his guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt.

• "To give someone the benefit of the doubt": To believe someone's statement or excuse, even though it may not be entirely convincing.

  • I don't fully understand his reasons, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.

• "To be in doubt": To be uncertain or undecided.

  • The future of the project is in doubt after the budget cuts.

Variants and Related Words

• Doubtful (adj): Feeling uncertain; not likely to be true or to happen.

  • She was doubtful about attending the event.

• Doubtless (adv): Without doubt; certainly.

  • He will doubtless call us when he arrives.

• Doubter (n): A person who doubts or is skeptical.

  • The proposal faced criticism from the doubters.

Synonyms

• Noun: Uncertainty, skepticism, suspicion, misgiving, hesitation.
• Verb: Question, distrust, suspect, disbelieve, mistrust.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Doubt on (something): To cast suspicion or uncertainty on something. (Often used as "cast doubt on").
  • The new evidence cast doubt on the witness's testimony.

Related Idioms

• "No doubt": Certainly; without question.

  • You are, no doubt, familiar with the basic rules.

• "Without a doubt": Definitely; certainly.

  • This is, without a doubt, the best meal I've ever had.

• "When in doubt": When you are uncertain about what to do.

  • When in doubt, ask for clarification.

Noun

1. uncertainty about the truth or factuality or existence of something
   • the dubiousness of his claim
   • there is no question about the validity of the enterprise
2. the state of being unsure of something

Verb

1. lack confidence in or have doubts about
   • I doubt these reports
   • I suspect her true motives
   • she distrusts her stepmother
2. consider unlikely or have doubts about
   • I doubt that she will accept his proposal of marriage