doubt
/daut/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
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.
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
- 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
- the state of being unsure of something
Verb
- lack confidence in or have doubts about
- I doubt these reports
- I suspect her true motives
- she distrusts her stepmother
- consider unlikely or have doubts about
- I doubt that she will accept his proposal of marriage