What is doubt? Pronunciation and usage in English

doubt means . Learn how to pronounce and use doubt through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of doubt

doubtnoun/verb

/daʊt/
Definition & pronunciation of doubt

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "doubt" in English. Here's a breakdown:

Phonetic Transcription (how it sounds):

/daʊt/

Breakdown:

  • da - Pronounced like the "da" in "dad" – a short, quick "ah" sound.
  • ou - This is the tricky part! It’s pronounced like the "ow" in "how" or "now". It's a single vowel sound.
  • t - Pronounced as a regular "t" sound.

Putting it together:

It’s a short, quick pronunciation: DAUT (rhymes with "caught")

Tips for getting it right:

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Usage and examples with the word doubt in English

Let's break down how to use the word "doubt" in English. It's a really versatile word with a range of meanings and ways to incorporate it into your speech and writing.

1. Core Meaning: Lack of Certainty

At its most basic, "doubt" means a feeling of uncertainty about something. It’s the opposite of being sure or confident.

  • Example: "I doubt he’ll finish the project on time." (I'm not sure he will.)
  • Example: "She doubted her ability to win the race." (She wasn’t confident she could win.)

2. Different Forms and Nuances

“Doubt” has several forms, each with a slightly different emphasis:

  • Doubt (noun): Refers to the feeling of uncertainty.
    • "He expressed his doubts about the plan." (He articulated his uncertainties.)
  • Doubt (verb - base form): To question something; to have a feeling of uncertainty.
    • "I doubt that's true." (I question whether that statement is accurate.)
  • Doubts (noun - plural): Multiple feelings of uncertainty about something.
    • “She had many doubts about moving to a new city.” (She had various uncertainties.)
  • Doubting (verb - present participle/gerund): The act of questioning or expressing uncertainty.
    • "He was doubting his memory." (He was questioning his memory.)
  • Doubtful (adjective): Suggesting doubt; not certain; questionable.
    • "It’s a doubtful claim." (It’s questionable; hard to believe.)
    • "I found his explanation doubtful." (I didn't find it convincing.)

3. Ways to Use "Doubt" in Sentences - with Examples

Here’s how to use "doubt" in various contexts:

  • Expressing disbelief:

    • "I doubt it’s possible." (I think it's highly unlikely.)
    • "Do you doubt me?" (Are you questioning my honesty or intentions?)

  • Expressing uncertainty about a future event:

    • "I doubt we’ll get good weather tomorrow." (I'm not confident about the weather forecast.)
    • "She doubted he’d call her back." (She wasn’t sure he would return her call.)

  • Questioning a statement:

    • “He doubted the accuracy of the report.” (He questioned how correct the report was.)
    • “I doubt that she intended to deceive us.” (I don't think she purposely misled us.)

  • Describing something questionable:

    • “The evidence was doubtful.” (The evidence was unreliable or questionable.)
    • “That’s a doubtful strategy.” (That’s a risky or weak strategy.)

  • Expressing internal conflict:

    • "I doubt myself sometimes." (I have moments of insecurity and uncertainty about my abilities.)

4. Phrases Using "Doubt"

  • Doubtful of: (Expressing skepticism) - "I'm doubtful of his motives."
  • To doubt something is to question it. (Very common, simply stating the act of questioning.)
  • ‘I don’t doubt it’: Expressing strong belief or certainty (contrary to what you might expect – it means “I’m completely sure”).

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings)

  • Question
  • Suspect
  • Believe (often used with "not" - "I don't believe")
  • Wonder
  • Hesitate
  • Disbelieve

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

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Synonyms for the word doubt

Idioms of the word doubt

be in doubt
to be uncertain
  • The success of the system is not in doubt.
  • The arrangements for the event still seemed to be in doubt.
beyond (any) doubt
(law)in a way that shows that something is completely certain
  • The research showed beyond doubt that smoking contributes to heart disease.
  • The prosecution was able to establish beyond reasonable doubt that the woman had been lying.
  • The evidence proves beyond doubt that he is innocent.
give somebody the benefit of the doubt
to accept that somebody has told the truth or behaved well because you cannot prove that they have not
  • She may have been lying, but I felt I had to give her the benefit of the doubt.
have your doubts (about something)
to have reasons why you are not certain about whether something is good or whether something good will happen
  • I've had my doubts about his work since he joined the firm.
  • It may be all right. Personally, I have my doubts.
  • They say they'll be here on time, but I have my doubts about that.
if in doubt
used to give advice to somebody who cannot decide what to do
  • If in doubt, wear black.
  • If in doubt, consult your doctor.
no doubt
used when you are saying that something is likely
  • No doubt she'll call us when she gets there.
used when you are saying that something is certainly true
  • He's made some great movies. There's no doubt about it.
put/throw something into doubt
to make something uncertain
  • The proposed development has been thrown into doubt by the decision.
without/beyond (a) doubt
used when you are giving your opinion and emphasizing the point that you are making
  • This meeting has been, without doubt, one of the most useful we have had so far.
  • Without the slightest doubt this is a remarkable exhibition.
  • She is without a doubt the best player I know.

Practice with vocabulary doubt

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite the detailed proposal, I still _______ the feasibility of implementing such a large-scale project within the given timeline.
  2. There is no _______ that the new policy will face some opposition from certain stakeholders, but its long-term benefits are clear.
  3. The board expressed significant _______ regarding the accuracy of the financial projections, prompting a request for an external audit.
  4. During the debate, she consistently _______ the traditional assumptions about economic growth, advocating for a more sustainable model.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The CEO seemed to _______ the market's readiness for such an innovative product, despite the positive internal reviews. a) believe b) trust c) doubt d) affirm

  2. After reviewing the evidence, the jury had no _______ about the defendant's guilt. a) question b) certainty c) doubt d) conviction

  3. The consultant's expertise was _______ beyond a shadow of a _______, and his recommendations were highly valued. a) confirmed / doubt b) proven / question c) established / uncertainty d) demonstrated / doubt

  4. Before signing the contract, it's natural to feel some _______ about the long-term commitments involved. a) enthusiasm b) hesitation c) confidence d) conviction

  5. His initial _______ about the effectiveness of the new training program quickly disappeared once he saw the improved performance metrics. a) acceptance b) misgivings c) assurance d) skepticism

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It is highly improbable that the merger will be approved by regulatory bodies this quarter. Rewrite using "doubt":

  2. Original: We are uncertain about the project's financial viability in the current economic climate. Rewrite using "doubt":

  3. Original: The auditor questioned the accuracy of the company's Q3 revenue report. Rewrite without "doubt":

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. doubt
  2. doubt
  3. uncertainty
  4. challenged

Exercise 2:

  1. c) doubt
  2. a) question, c) doubt
  3. a) confirmed / doubt, d) demonstrated / doubt
  4. b) hesitation
  5. b) misgivings, d) skepticism

Exercise 3:

  1. I seriously doubt that the merger will be approved by regulatory bodies this quarter.
  2. We have serious doubts about the project's financial viability in the current economic climate.
  3. The auditor challenged the accuracy of the company's Q3 revenue report.

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