doubtful

Everyday

1. If you are doubtful about something, you are not sure it is true or that it will happen. tree →
2. If something is doubtful, it probably will not happen or probably is not true. tree →
3. Doubtful can describe something that seems not quite honest or good, like a doubtful excuse. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it shows a character who is unsure or suspicious, often with a frown or a raised eyebrow; in science it describes a result or claim you should check again. Phrases: «doubtful about», «it is doubtful that/whether», «a doubtful look».

Examples

• Sam looked doubtful when I said the ice was safe. tree →
• It is doubtful that the match will go ahead in this rain. tree →
• I'm doubtful about this map; it looks very old. tree →
• The teacher gave a doubtful smile at my excuse. tree →
• The result was doubtful, so we did the experiment again. tree →
• Whether the ferry will run tomorrow is doubtful. tree →
• Grandpa was doubtful the little tree would survive the winter. tree →
• But he was doubtful whether the crocodile would consent to do what wanted. tree →

Note

Spelled with a silent «b», like «doubt». Adverb: «doubtfully». Opposite: «certain», «sure». Being doubtful about a strange claim online is a good habit; check it with a trusted source.

In Jewish tradition

In stories it shows a character who is unsure or suspicious, often with a frown or a raised eyebrow; in science it describes a result or claim you should check again. Phrases: «doubtful about», «it is doubtful that/whether», «a doubtful look».

Examples

• The meaning of Belimah is more doubtful. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• But it is very doubtful what Mohammed ben Musa meant by Indians. (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Spelled with a silent «b», like «doubt». Adverb: «doubtfully». Opposite: «certain», «sure». Being doubtful about a strange claim online is a good habit; check it with a trusted source.