Doubtful

Pronunciation: /ˈdaʊt.fəl/

Definitions of doubtful

adjective feeling uncertain about something; not confident

Example Sentences

A1 I am doubtful about passing my exam.

A2 She looked doubtful when I asked her to help.

B1 It is doubtful that the project will be completed on time.

B2 The evidence presented in court was deemed doubtful by the jury.

C1 The scientist had a doubtful attitude towards the new theory.

C2 It is highly doubtful that the company will meet its financial targets this year.

Examples of doubtful in a Sentence

formal It is doubtful that the experiment results will be replicated in future studies.

informal I highly doubt that she will show up to the party tonight.

slang I ain't buying it, that story sounds too doubtful to me.

figurative His promises were as doubtful as a mirage in the desert.

Grammatical Forms of doubtful

• past tense: doubted
• plural: doubtfuls
• comparative: more doubtful
• superlative: most doubtful
• present tense: doubt
• future tense: will doubt
• perfect tense: have doubted
• continuous tense: is doubting
• singular: doubtful
• positive degree: doubtful
• infinitive: to doubt
• gerund: doubting
• participle: doubting

Origin and Evolution of doubtful

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'doubtful' originated from the Old French word 'doutance' which came from the Latin word 'dubitare' meaning 'to waver in opinion'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'doubtful' has retained its core meaning of uncertainty or lack of conviction, but has also evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts and connotations.