doubt - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
doubt Word Meanings
- a feeling of uncertainty about something
- to be unsure or lack confidence about something
- to question the truth or validity of something
doubt Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
doubt Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/daʊt/
US
/daʊt/
doubt Word Etymology
The word 'doubt' comes from the Latin 'dubitare' (to hesitate), with the prefix 'du-' implying two (to waver between two options). Picture a person standing at a fork in the road, unsure which path to take.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I press my fingertip to my temple and lean in, letting my attention move toward the choice I’m facing. I shift my weight, pull back a bit to breathe and let the question settle. The moment feels like a small wrestling match inside: effort, control, and a careful adjustment as I set the next move. When I finally choose, the doubt lingers just enough to remind me to keep learning and to place trust in the process.
Real Context
Doubt is a feeling of uncertainty about something, or a lack of confidence about whether something is true, reliable, or appropriate. As a noun, it can describe the hesitation you feel before making a choice, or the doubt that a statement invites in your mind. As a verb, to doubt means to suspect that something may not be true or to question the truth or validity of it. The word comes from the Latin dubitare, meaning to hesitate, with the idea of wavering between options. In everyday English, you might say you have doubts about a plan, doubt a rumor, or doubt your own memory.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Doubt can be a noun or a verb; learn common phrases.
- 2. Distinguish doubt from disbelief; doubt means uncertainty, not certainty.
- 3. Use have doubts about, doubt that, and doubt whether.
- 4. Pay attention to stress and pronunciation in casual speech.
- 5. Practice with real contexts: plans, rumors, memories.
- 6. Compare with synonyms like question, skepticism, and suspicion.
Common Misconceptions
- Doubt means you are a liar or untrustworthy.
- Doubt always means you lack evidence.
- If you doubt something, you never believe it.
- Doubt is the same as disbelief or denial.
- You should always resolve doubt immediately.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, doubt is a flexible core concept tied to uncertainty about truth, plans, or memory. Learners often overgeneralize it as disbelief and run into errors with the correct prepositions (doubt about, doubt that, doubt whether).
Learning Tips
- Remember that doubt has noun and verb forms; learn common collocations such as have doubts about, doubt that, and doubt whether.
- Differentiate doubt from disbelief; doubt signals uncertainty, not total rejection.
- Practice using doubt with sources and evidence to express cautious judgment.
- Learn pronunciation: the 'b' in doubt is often silent in casual speech.
- Compare with synonyms like question, skepticism, and suspicion to fine-tune nuance.
- Use real-life contexts: news, decisions, and memories to build familiarity.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'doubt'?
A.Certainty
B.Belief
C.Skepticism
D.Confidence
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'doubt' used correctly?
A.I doubt sure he will come on time.
B.He doubted to ask for help.
C.The teacher trust her students without any doubt.
D.She had no doubt in his abilities.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'doubt'?
A.Trust
B.Faith
C.Conviction
D.Suspicion
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'doubt'?
A.Ambiguity
B.Assurance
C.Question
D.Hesitation
Step 5: Mastery
In a real-life context, when might someone experience doubt?
A.When eating a delicious meal
B.When making an important decision
C.When watching a comedy movie
D.When sleeping peacefully
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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