doubt1 noundoubt2 verb
doubtdoubt1 /daʊt/ ●●● S1 W1 noun 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- I hope to convince any doubters in the audience that our policies will work.
- There are still some doubts about her suitability for the job.
- There seems to be some doubt as to what warnings were given.
- Especially in the early thirties, the ideas in the central tradition acted powerfully to breed such doubts.
- He worked to dispel his doubts about his friend as though to pass another test, like his ordeal in the park.
- However, some critics have expressed doubts over whether future governments can be locked into the promises.
- If in doubt, try the front door.
- It casts more doubt on Wallace's conviction in 1981 of the killing of his friend, antique dealer Jonathan Lewis.
- Little doubt what the weight of opinion was there.
- Then he thought of Benedicta and felt a twinge of doubt.
- There seems no doubt ever in your minds that the Emperor is more powerful than you are, or Hari Seldon wiser.
Longman Language Activatornot caring about something
: don't think (that) · At first I didn't think that Jim was going to reply.· I don't think many people will come to the meeting, do you?don't think so · "Do we have any coffee left?'' "I don't think so -- I'll have a look.''· "Is Mr Brown there?'' "No, I don't think so, I saw him go out earlier.''
to think that something will probably not happen or is probably not true: doubt if/whether: · We'd better go to the party, but I doubt if it'll be very exciting.· I doubt whether I'll be able to find a decent car for the price I can afford. doubt (that): · Some people doubted that the attacks on the American ships had actually taken place.very much doubt/doubt very much: · I very much doubt whether we'll get someone for the job by September.seriously doubt: · At the time we seriously doubted that the doctor had got the diagnosis right.doubt it: · It was possible that Maggie had been delayed, but he doubted it.
if you are doubtful about something, you do not believe that it will happen or should be done: · Mick felt optimistic about going to work in Hong Kong, but Sue was doubtful.· My brother looked doubtful when I asked him if he'd mind looking after the baby.be doubtful about: · A lot of us felt doubtful about the project at the beginning.be doubtful (that): · The doctor said she was doubtful that antibiotics would work.it is doubtful whether/that/if: · It is doubtful that life could survive under such extreme conditions as these.
if you are dubious about something, you do not think it is a good idea or that it is true: · "Do you think they'll let us in?'' Gabby looked dubious.be dubious about: · Marian is still dubious about whether any of the government's "solutions" will work.
spoken say this when you think something is very unlikely to happen or is very unlikely to be true: · I'd be surprised if they get here in time for the show.· I'd be very surprised if Ronnie got the job -- he just doesn't have enough experience.
spoken say this when you think that something is unlikely to happen or be true, especially when you are not completely sure that you are right: I wouldn't have thought (that): · I wouldn't have thought that there would be much traffic on a Sunday morning.I wouldn't have thought so: · "Will John and Carmen be coming tonight?" "I wouldn't have thought so. They're very busy at the moment."
spoken use this in order to say politely that you think what someone has said is unlikely: · "I think Kate and Eddie will end up getting married." "Really? I'm not sure about that."
to believe that something is true to be sure that something is true or that someone is telling the truth: · Did the police believe his story?· I told them I didn't do it, but no one believed me.· You shouldn't believe everything you read in the papers.believe (that): · People used to believe that the sun moved around the earth.believe it or not (=it may be hard to believe this): · I asked them for a $10,000 loan, and believe it or not they said yes.firmly/strongly believe: · I firmly believe that we are responsible for what happens to us in our lives.
to believe something because someone has persuaded you to believe it: · I finally accepted the fact that I would die if I didn't stop smoking.· She succeeded in persuading the jury to accept her version of the events.accept that: · She'll never accept that her husband has been unfaithful.
to believe what someone tells you even though you have no proof of it: · When he told me he'd been in the army, I took his word for it.· "Do you want to check for yourself?" "No, I'll take your word for it."
to believe what someone says even though you think they might not be telling the truth: · Something didn't seem quite right, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.· She claimed she wasn't trying to commit suicide, and doctors gave her the benefit of the doubt.
to accept that what someone tells you is true without asking for any proof, because you have decided to trust them: · I'm afraid I can't let you see the letter, so you'll just have to take what I'm saying on trust.· He said he'd never been in trouble before, which I was content to take on trust.
to believe what someone says or what you read, without thinking that it may have another meaning: · Netta accepted Amelia's explanation at face value and didn't ask any more questions.· The letter, if we take it at face value, suggests that Richard is quite happy in his job.
informal to believe a reason or explanation, especially one that is not very likely to be true - use this especially in negatives and questions: · We could tell him it was an accident, but he'd never buy it.· "He said he was with friends last night." "Are you going to buy that?"
when something is definitely true use this to emphasize that something is definitely true. Definitely is more common in spoken English than certainly: · Incredible as they seem, these events certainly took place.· We don't know exactly when the house was built, but it's certainly over 200 years old. · I definitely posted the cheque last week, so it should have arrived by now.· "I think it would be a great opportunity." "Yeah, definitely."definitely/certainly not: · "She's not thinking of going back out with Simon again?" "No, definitely not."
use this to say that, in your opinion, something is definitely true about someone or something: · The years my parents spent in Kenya were undoubtedly the happiest of their lives.· Japan has unquestionably one of the most successful economies in the world.· Without a doubt, taxation is going to be the key issue in the President's campaign.
use this to say that, in your opinion, something definitely is true about someone or something: there's no doubt/there's no question that: · There's no doubt that he completely dominates her.· There is no question that Maridan had known all about the deal.· There was no doubt that, without the peacekeeping force, the civil war would have continued.there's no doubt/there's no question about it/about that: · You can see they're short of staff -- there's no doubt about it.· "We made some mistakes. No question about that," Glavine said.
use this to say that, in your opinion, there is definitely no doubt at all that something is true: · The evidence proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this man was in the victim's apartment on the day of the murder.
spoken say this when you want to emphasize that something must be true and you want the person you are talking to to agree with you: · Surely he must have realized that the money was stolen.· "I'm not sure how the heating system works." "Surely it can't be that complicated." · Your car must be worth more than $500, surely!
if something is beyond dispute it certainly happened or exists and no one thinks differently: · Her professionalism is beyond dispute.· That the reports were stolen is beyond dispute. What we need to know is who took them.
not sure if something is true or if something will happen · "What time does the film start?" "I think it's 8.30, but I'm not sure."not sure how/whether/when etc · I'm not sure where she lives.· I'm not sure how long it will take the bus to get there.not sure about · If you're not sure about the meaning of a word, look it up in a dictionary.not sure of · Use the 'Filesearch' function if you are not sure of the name of a file.can't be sure spoken (=when you think something is true, but you are not completely sure) · I can't be sure, but I think I saw Maggie coming out of the hospital this morning.
not sure about something. Not certain is more formal than not sure: · The man you're looking for could be Keith, but I'm not certain.not certain about: · I'm not certain about what time the buses come - I usually cycle.not certain how/why/where etc: · I'm really not certain how much fuel we've got left.
to not be at all sure if something is true or if something will happen: · "How old is she?" "Oh, I don't know - fifty, fifty-five?"not know if/whether/how etc: · I phoned her but I don't know if she got my message.· We do not know whether the lake is safe for swimming in.not know for sure especially spoken: · It could be this week but it might be much later. We don't know for sure.
Unsure and uncertain are more formal than not sure and not certain .: unsure/uncertain about: · I'm still a bit unsure about how to use this software.unsure/uncertain of: · Many workers are still unsure of their rights.unsure/uncertain who/what/whether etc: · David decided to become a teacher but was uncertain which subject to specialize in.
a feeling of not being sure whether something is true or correct: doubt about: · There are still some doubts about her suitability for the job.doubt as to: · There seems to be some doubt as to what warnings were given.
to think about something that you are not sure about, and try to guess what is true, what will happen, etc: · He says he's had no formal training but when you see how good his work is, you start to wonder.wonder if/how/whether etc: · I wonder if she'll recognize me after all these years.· He wondered whether he would be able to find the hotel again.
not sure if you should do something or if something is good or right to not be sure whether you should do something or whether it is good or right: · Peter promised that it was all for the best, but I still had doubts.have doubts about: · Any doubts Jo had about marrying him soon disappeared.have your doubts: · We had our doubts about the car's reliability from the start.
to feel that some things about a plan, idea etc are not good or right, so that you think there may be problems or difficulties: · I know you're very keen to move to the US, but I'm afraid I still have reservations.have reservations about: · Many teachers are likely to have reservations about the new tests.
to not be sure whether something is good or right, because you are worried about what will happen if it is done: · We didn't try to stop our son from joining the army, but we both had misgivings.have misgivings about: · Even the government's most loyal supporters have misgivings about changes to the education system.have serious misgivings (=be very unsure): · At the time, many doctors had serious misgivings about the new treatment.
to be unable to say that something is definitely good or right, because there are both good and bad things about it: · I have very mixed feelings -- I want to travel but I know I'll miss my family.have mixed feelings about: · She had mixed feelings about her daughter getting married so young.
to be not sure whether you should do something, because you can think of ways in which it could go wrong: · I was a bit dubious at first, but the water looked cool and inviting, so I dived in.be dubious about: · Most universities are dubious about accepting students over the age of 30.
someone who is hesitant is nervous or unsure about doing something, and therefore pauses before doing it or does it slowly and without confidence: · He was a little hesitant at first, but soon he had told her everything.hesitant about: · I was hesitant about approaching the boss directly.hesitant to do something: · It is not surprising that the government was hesitant to introduce such major reforms.
to not make a definite decision because you have doubts: waver between: · Maya wavered between accepting and refusing his offer.waver about: · If people have been wavering about giving the police information, this could be the thing to make them come forward.
when you feel sure about something if you are sure about something, you believe that it is definitely true or correct: · 'The car was a BMW' 'Are you sure?'sure (that): · I'm surprised she isn't here - I was sure she would come.· Are you quite sure that he understood your instructions?sure about: · I think children are influenced by these films, but it's impossible to be sure about this.sure of: · You need to be sure of your facts before making any accusations.pretty sure: · I'm pretty sure Barbara still works here.absolutely sure: · We do not believe this is the body of the missing girl, but we have to check to be absolutely sure.
completely sure that something is true: certain (that): · Are you certain you didn't leave your keys at home?certain about: · He was certain about one thing - she would come back one day.certain of: · She won't let you borrow the car - I'm certain of that.absolutely certain: · Don't stop looking until you're absolutely certain you've found the place you want.
especially spoken completely sure that something is true - use this especially when other people are saying it might not be true: · "Are you sure you locked the door?" "Yes, I'm positive."positive (that): · She said she was positive the exam was next Tuesday.absolutely positive: · I'm absolutely positive I haven't made a mistake.
sure that something is true, even when you cannot prove it: convinced (that): · We've had no news of him, but we're convinced he's still alive.· She became convinced that her boyfriend was seeing someone else.convinced of: · Brown's wife was convinced of his innocence.
to be so certain about something that there are no doubts in your mind: have no doubt (that): · I've no doubt that his story is true.have no doubt about/of: · My boss told me he had no doubt about my abilities as a salesman.
to have a strong feeling that something is right or true, although there may be nothing to prove: know (that): · Sally knew that she and Carl would be the best of friends.· I just know your mother will love this necklace.· As soon as the phone rang, we knew something terrible must have happened.know it: · She's going to pass -- I just know it!
sure that you know the truth about something that has happened, because you have enough information: satisfied (that): · Police are now satisfied that her death was an accident.
sure that something good will happen, or that you will be able to achieve what you want: · ''Do you think you'll win tomorrow's game?'' - ''Well, we're all feeling pretty confident''.confident (that): · Doctors are confident that he'll make a full recovery.confident of: · A spokesman said the government was confident of winning the vote and would not discuss the possibility of defeat.
spoken informal say this when you feel sure that something is true: I bet (that): · I bet you're tired after such a long journey.· I bet she hasn't told her parents about this.
especially spoken if you say that something must be true or must have happened, you are sure about it, because of information you have or things you have noticed that make it seem very likely: · You must remember Sally Newton. She was in our French class.must have: · Kim didn't answer when I called - she must have gone to bed.· She didn't get into movies just because her mother was a famous actress, but it must have helped.
especially spoken if you say that something can't be true or can't have happened, you are sure that it is not true or has not happened: · He says he's 21 but he can't be older than 18.can't have: · She can't have gone to bed yet - it's only 8 o'clock.· If you failed that exam you can't have worked very hard.
you say I'd put money on it when you are so sure of something that you would be willing to take the chance of losing money if you were wrong: · "Do you really think the president will win again?'' "I'd put money on it.''
when a situation is uncertain, and something bad may happen · The situation on the island is still very uncertain and the army is on full alert.· The long-term benefits of the treatment are extremely uncertain.· The economic outlook is so uncertain that I would think carefully before investing any money.highly uncertain (=very uncertain) · The company faces a highly uncertain future.
to be uncertain and likely to be bad: · The result of the President's re-election campaign remains doubtful.· With more and more cuts in government spending, the program's future now seems doubtful.it is doubtful if/whether: · It is doubtful if she will survive the operation.· It is extremely doubtful whether the aid is actually reaching the people who need it most.it is doubtful that: · It is doubtful that the governor's proposed tax increase will be popular with voters.
if someone or something's future or success is in doubt , it seems very uncertain and they may not be able to continue or to succeed: · After yet another injury, his football career is in doubt.· The building's future remained in doubt until the government agreed to restore it.
spoken you say it's touch and go when a situation seems extremely uncertain and you are worried that something may not happen in the way you want: · It was touch and go for a few hours, but we were able to get everything out of the basement before it flooded.· An urgent operation was needed to save his life, and doctors said it was touch and go until the end of the procedure.it's touch and go whether: · Traffic was really heavy, and for a while it was touch and go whether they'd get to the wedding on time.
if something is in the balance or hangs in the balance , there is a risk that something bad will happen so that it will not continue: · The survival of the African elephant hangs in the balance.· His career as a politician hung in the balance.· I can't say what the outcome of the talks will be -- they're very much in the balance at the moment.
spoken informal use this to describe a plan or situation that seems uncertain and may not succeed or happen as you want: · "What's happening about your new job?" "The whole thing's rather iffy at the moment."· I was hoping to go to the beach today but it's looking iffy because of the weather.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs
Cast aside your fears. This just confirms my worst fears. Their faces were suddenly filled with fear. I have grave doubts about his ability. Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. There was still a nagging doubt in the back of her mind. The way the research was carried out raises doubts about the results. The evidence was clear, and there was little room for doubt. There’s not a shred of doubt (=no doubt at all) in my mind that we will win. an attempt to sow doubt among the jury members Local people are questioning the wisdom of spending so much money on a new road.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· Scientists still have some doubts about the theory.
(=have some doubts)· Everyone else thinks it’s a good idea, but I have my doubts.
· I have no doubt that you are right.
· The government is in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.
(=make people sure or almost sure about something)· The evidence left no doubt that he was the murderer.
(=make people unsure about something)· Research has cast doubt on the safety of mobile phones.
(=make people unsure about something)· His handling of the matter has raised doubts about his competence.
(=make people unsure about something)· The accuracy of his account was called into doubt.
(=say that you have doubts)· Many people expressed doubts about the necessity of the war.
adjectives· They have some serious doubts as to his honesty.
· I had considerable doubts about accepting the job.
(=one that does not go away)· I still had a nagging doubt that there might be something seriously wrong.
phrases (=used to talk about how sure people are about something)· There is little doubt that he will play for England one day.
(=without any doubt)· I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was going to win.
(=a slight doubt)· There’s an element of doubt about his true age as he doesn’t have a birth certificate.
(=no doubt)· There’s not the slightest doubt in my mind about it.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Cast aside your fears. This just confirms my worst fears. (=not believe that something exists)· Some people doubt the existence of life at the very bottom of the ocean.
(=say or show that you are not sure whether something is true or right)· Environmentalists began to express doubts about the benefits of biofuels.
Their faces were suddenly filled with fear. I have grave doubts about his ability. Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. There was still a nagging doubt in the back of her mind. The way the research was carried out raises doubts about the results. The evidence was clear, and there was little room for doubt. There’s not a shred of doubt (=no doubt at all) in my mind that we will win. an attempt to sow doubt among the jury members Local people are questioning the wisdom of spending so much money on a new road.· But there is grave doubt among environmentalists as to whether the Government will fulfil its promises according to schedule.· I had grave doubts about where he might take it.· There must, too, be the gravest doubts about a system which excludes those who prefer not to join a union.· In my talk with Alec he himself expressed grave doubts whether he wished to take it on.· The gravest doubt which has assailed historians about Charlemagne's moral and educational programme is whether it had much effect.· I have grave doubts about that.· Simply as a proposition this is open to grave doubt.
· When there are more than one stand-off per side, there is little doubt as to which way round the spars are fitted.· There is little doubt that these people are at the heart of the restaurant's achievements.· These days, there is little doubt that creatures possess a mind structure.· There would seem to have been little doubt, however, in Mr Justice Lindley's mind.· There was little doubt among those concerned that through education youth could be made to exhibit the appropriate values.· But there can be little doubt that such change is not going to happen overnight.· There is little doubt that these are proper, necessary and central focuses for educational policy and practice.· There can be little doubt that Hoccleve is describing his own experience.
· If theft is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, they should consider handling.· They had to feel, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Bill had killed Sandy.· But they are not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt so they decide, quite properly, to acquit of robbery.· It means only that prosecutors failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, he said.· Civilised society generally only convicts where a man is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.· Once the issue is validly raised, the prosecution has the burden of disproving it beyond reasonable doubt.· For example, one can prove beyond a reasonable degree of doubt that a conservation project reduces the rate of soil removal.· In many cases, it will be hard for the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is lying.
· The awful thing was that, as I said it, I began to have serious doubts about it.· In cases of serious doubt, there are a variety of techniques for assessing employees' reactions.· To close one magazine is unlucky; but to close two casts serious doubts on your capabilities as a publisher.· Even among some Taft supporters, however, there were serious doubts that the controversial senator could win the presidency.· Robert would have to hit him with something a bit more serious than doubts.· For these reasons, the Conservatives are a little more responsive to widespread expressions of serious doubt on their own backbenches.· At this point I began to have serious doubts about this man's hold on reality.· But the true history of Opren raises serious doubts about this picture of events.
VERB· Again there is a considerable literature on the use of aims and objectives in curriculum planning that casts doubts on its efficacy.· I just had to cast doubt on his assertions.· It casts more doubt on Wallace's conviction in 1981 of the killing of his friend, antique dealer Jonathan Lewis.· What they have found tends only to cast more doubt on an already shaky government probe.· Tim White casts doubts on Kalb's ability to discharge his undertakings to care for the material he had collected.· Mr Portillo cast doubt over the tax policy as soon as he returned to the shadow cabinet this year.· Journalists and diplomatic sources, however, cast doubt on the government's version.· These conclusions have led revisionists to cast doubt on three of the assumptions underlying the liberal interpretation.
· Occasionally a customer will express doubts about the selling of such specimens when they should, perhaps be displayed in museums.· The comedian expressed doubts about his ability to perform without a live audience, but agreed to do it.· People like Ybreska were too afraid to have a commitment, even to openly express doubts.· But we expressed our doubts regarding La Strada.· Indeed, it was a question about which, at p. 311B, Roskill L.J. expressed doubts.· Critics have expressed doubts about the draughtsmanship of both artists.· However, some analysts have expressed doubts about management continuity.· Rumours that no scientist expressed doubts about the potential problems are falsehoods perpetrated by officials with a vested interest.
· The head is broadly thick-set with a mouth which leaves no doubts as to the diet.· The statistics leave no doubt that the triumph of capital has lead to more and more unequal distribution of income and wealth.· Given my own predicament, I was left in no doubt that Cooper and Murphy had also been fitted up.· If you do not do so, you may be left in some doubt as to when a constructive dismissal occurs.· They left me in no doubt that spiritually they had evolved much beyond their young ages.· Nevertheless, the world of classical scholarship was left in no doubt about one thing.· Years of experience have left him with nagging doubts about the seemingly perfect customers.
· If this could be proved beyond doubt, direct drilling would fit in well with the organic philosophy.· The believer is not required to establish his belief, but the skeptic is required to prove his doubt.· If theft is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, they should consider handling.· Geological evidence proves beyond doubt that it is three million years old.· In court their guilt had been proved beyond doubt, so why hadn't they confessed?· His accomplishments prove, beyond a doubt, the efficacy of full self-expression.· This means a case does not have to be proved beyond all reasonable doubt.· In many cases, it will be hard for the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is lying.
· A few astronomers have raised doubts about this extrapolation from ordinary galaxies to all extragalactic objects.· But the $ 100 million miss raises new doubts about when that will be.· Only a few Marxists raise fundamental doubt about Therborn's assumption above that in liberal democracy the exploiting minority rules through elections.· I raised some of these doubts with Einar one night during semaphore practice.· Research has also raised doubts about the role of imitation in children's learning of language.· Our job, after all, is merely to raise a doubt.· So instead of providing reassurance, it raises doubts in customers' minds.· This raises doubts about some of the signposts the Fed used to rely on.
· There seems to be little doubt, however, that the development of the form imbricata is determined genetically.· There seems no doubt ever in your minds that the Emperor is more powerful than you are, or Hari Seldon wiser.· There seems little doubt about who is being foolishly insulting.· There seems little doubt that the richest clubs went on evading the maximum wage regulation.· There seems little doubt that such feeling existed, especially in the 1340s and 1350s.· Nobody seemed to have any doubt that Pencader would trounce his rivals on his debut at Newbury last month.· Worse still are cases in which only the jurist seems to be in doubt as to what kind of disposition is involved.· There seems little doubt that, by the next century, it will be the international language in every field.
· In the sickroom or with Diniz, Nicholas never threw doubt on the arrival of Katelina's dream fleet.· Recent judicial decisions have thrown doubt upon this point, as indicated in the following hypothetical discussion.· Wallis further throws doubt on Gusfield's claim that he had in fact identified a status group.· The absence of Hebrew graffiti at Abu Simbel is perhaps not sufficient to throw doubt upon Aristeas.· The devolution programme of Wahid's administration may also be thrown into doubt.· The market people passed comments on his wife and, he said, threw doubt on his ability to better her.· The crisis will throw further doubt on the Government's drive to cut waiting lists.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► without doubtPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- But the political and military efficacy of the pacts was always open to doubt.
- But whether that amounts to a positive incentive for companies to boost production and revive investment plans is open to doubt.
- Faith is something which is merely believed, so it must always expect to be open to doubt.
- Further, and more important, it was open to doubt whether the nobility was properly trained for war.
- Of course, even if accurately transmitted the reliability of this poetry is still open to doubt.
- Whether it will ever be finished is now open to doubt.
- Whether it will help in breaking two-party politics is open to doubt.
- Whether this kind of Labour Party is capable of winning a general election is open to doubt.
- No doubt you'll have your own ideas.
- Abortion is a health issue: of that there is no doubt.
- But there is no doubt that young people are developing habits unfavorable to traditional news suppliers.
- But, have no doubt, it will be emulated.
- I had no doubts that he was going to pick up the package.
- If not, there will have been a real loss, which will no doubt add to the rising tide of semi-literacy.
- Minna had paid him in advance, which no doubt had been a mistake.
- There's no doubt about that.
- We have no doubt that there is no congressional power to expose for the sake of exposure.
- Always be ready to release during the take-off run and if in doubt, abandon the take-off.
- But if in doubt, ask!
- In other words, if in doubt, don't take a chance.
- The first is a good motto: when in doubt, take them out.
- The soldier's motto, Price had told the men: when in doubt go forward.
- When in doubt or when scared or when pressed, count.
- When in doubt, you take.
- After yet another injury, his football career is in doubt.
- Prospects for progress in the peace talks are very much in doubt.
- The building's future remained in doubt until the government agreed to restore it.
- The outcome of the case never seemed in doubt.
- After the first success, that could never be in doubt.
- As wide an interpretation as possible should always be used in any case where the application of the Agreement is in doubt.
- But no-one was in doubt that the real winner was disabled sport.
- Cadfael watched him and was in doubt.
- In the crisis social welfare concerns were made superfluous, as even the preservation of employment was in doubt.
- The registry of the vessel was in doubt yesterday.
- Unfortunately, I was in doubt a lot and wound up with a virtual school of commas swimming through my sentences.
- What is in doubt is the basis of the design philosophy.
- Besides, we knew beyond doubt that she loved us dearly.
- I think it unlikely that there is any further evidence which would put the question beyond doubt.
- It felt as if he could see right inside her head so that he knew beyond doubt the minutest detail of her response.
- It is beyond doubt that lawmaking was a power to be shared by both Houses and the President...
- The episode illustrates beyond doubt that the majority voting rules of the Treaty of Rome have teeth.
- The last sentence takes it as established beyond doubt that the inherent bias in analysis is against issuing regulations.
- The latter, particularly, is not beyond doubt, but that does not destroy the value of his what-if speculations.
- You will be so learned, so well prepared, that your future as a musician will be beyond doubt.
- She claimed she wasn't trying to commit suicide, and doctors gave her the benefit of the doubt.
- Something didn't seem quite right, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
- A foot abscess had cast doubts on the colt's participation in the Epsom Classic on Wednesday week.
- Both studies cast doubt on individuals' awareness of tax changes and therefore suggest a low labour response.
- But this very silence casts doubt on Mancini's central point that the council actually voted down the king's expressed wishes.
- Journalists and diplomatic sources, however, cast doubt on the government's version.
- Some are oversensitive, which leads to annoyance and casts doubt on readings which might not be inaccurate.
- That, the authors conclude, casts doubt on the refuge hypothesis.
- This casts doubt on the suggestion that Asclepiodatus was also responsible for the shorter prologue of Lex Salica.
- To cast doubt on the importance of production is thus to bring into questIon the foundation of the entire edifice.
- I like the element of risk.
- If Weaver had been watching as Liz Spalding had been smuggled into the house, then the element of surprise was lost.
- It contains a major element of truth, even if it is not precisely the truth which its originators intended.
- The element of risk gave it an added excitement.
- There is an element of truth in all of these.
- There were elements of truth in this critique, Jim supposed.
- Web browsers, once limited to displaying text and graphics and downloading files, have created an entirely new element of risk.
- What I do is count on the element of surprise.
- Almost immediately, the fretting, niggling worries and the sense of fearful anticipation began to return.
- Always, in the background, in the dim recesses of her mind, there had been that niggling doubt.
- And here a niggling doubt enters the mind.
- Nor did it remove the niggling suspicion that Isabel was hiding something.
- Of course, this is usually so, but I am having little niggling doubts about such a sweeping statement.
- There remains the niggling doubt that this delay has something to do with our muddled sentimentality towards animals.
- There was, however, a niggling doubt in the minds of some of the jurors.
- The authenticity of the relics is open to doubt.
- Their motives are open to question.
- But whether Republicans want to cooperate is open to question.
- Even if, as is open to question, screen violence really does invite emulation, that is the wrong approach.
- In particular, the significance of the small number who say their work has been deskilled is open to question.
- It also is open to question how well equipped courts are to make this kind of determination-about the workings of economic markets.
- The entire business of basing regulations on animal tests is open to question.
- The President acceded to the Chancellor's request for two reasons, both of which were open to question.
- Whether the yeast could ever be as abundant as this is open to question.
- Whether this kind of Labour Party is capable of winning a general election is open to doubt.
- Their conversation had planted doubts in Dennis' mind about the partnership.
- Civilised society generally only convicts where a man is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
- Finally, although it is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, most experts agree that dry foods are beneficial to the teeth.
- If theft is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, they should consider handling.
- If we knew that, I think we'd be beyond reasonable doubt.
- In many cases, it will be hard for the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is lying.
- It means only that prosecutors failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, he said.
- Once the issue is validly raised, the prosecution has the burden of disproving it beyond reasonable doubt.
- They had to feel, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Bill had killed Sandy.
- Don't ask me how - but I knew it without a shadow of a doubt.
- Now she knew without a shadow of doubt that she wasn't.
- But whether the parent with the yellow flowers supplies the egg or the pollen makes not the slightest difference.
- I tried closing my eyes; it made not the slightest difference.
- There was now not the slightest doubt that Hsu was decaying and losing her structural integrity.
- In the sickroom or with Diniz, Nicholas never threw doubt on the arrival of Katelina's dream fleet.
- The market people passed comments on his wife and, he said, threw doubt on his ability to better her.
- Wallis further throws doubt on Gusfield's claim that he had in fact identified a status group.
- What they have to say throws doubt on previous inferences about how labour-intensive Maya agricultural techniques were, at least at San Antonio.
WORD FAMILYadjectivedoubtfuldoubtlessindubitableundoubtedadverbdoubtfullyindubitablyundoubtedlynoundoubtdoubterverbdoubt
1[countable, uncountable] a feeling of being not sure whether something is true or rightdoubt about The incident raises doubts about the safety of nuclear power.doubt as to Some government ministers had serious doubts as to whether the policy would work. There was still one little nagging doubt at the back of his mind. There’s no doubt that he was a major artist.2no doubt used when you are saying that you think something is probably true: No doubt you’ll have your own ideas. She was a top student, no doubt about it (=it is certainly true).3if/when (you’re) in doubt used when advising someone what to do if they are uncertain about something: If in doubt, consult your doctor.4be in doubt if something is in doubt, it may not happen, continue, exist, or be true: The future of the peace talks is in doubt.5beyond doubt if something is beyond doubt, it is completely certain: The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of the crime.put the game/result/match beyond doubt (=do something which makes it certain that a particular player or team will win a match) Ferdinand’s second goal put the game beyond doubt.6without doubt used to emphasize an opinion: Jo is without doubt one of the finest swimmers in the school.7open to doubt something that is open to doubt has not been proved to be definitely true or real: The authenticity of the relics is open to doubt. → self-doubt, → give somebody/something the benefit of the doubt at benefit1(4)COLLOCATIONSverbshave doubts· Scientists still have some doubts about the theory.have your doubts (=have some doubts)· Everyone else thinks it’s a good idea, but I have my doubts.have no/little doubt· I have no doubt that you are right.be in no/any doubt about something· The government is in no doubt about the seriousness of the situation.leave no/little doubt (that) (=make people sure or almost sure about something)· The evidence left no doubt that he was the murderer.cast/throw doubt on something (=make people unsure about something)· Research has cast doubt on the safety of mobile phones.raise doubts about something (=make people unsure about something)· His handling of the matter has raised doubts about his competence.call/throw something into doubt (=make people unsure about something)· The accuracy of his account was called into doubt.express/voice doubts (=say that you have doubts)· Many people expressed doubts about the necessity of the war.adjectivesserious/grave doubts· They have some serious doubts as to his honesty.considerable doubts· I had considerable doubts about accepting the job.a lingering/nagging doubt (=one that does not go away)· I still had a nagging doubt that there might be something seriously wrong.phrasesthere is no/little/some doubt (=used to talk about how sure people are about something)· There is little doubt that he will play for England one day.without a shadow of a doubt (=without any doubt)· I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I was going to win.an element of doubt (=a slight doubt)· There’s an element of doubt about his true age as he doesn’t have a birth certificate.not the slightest doubt (=no doubt)· There’s not the slightest doubt in my mind about it.doubt1 noundoubt2 verb
doubtdoubt2 ●●● S2 verb [transitive not in progressive] WORD ORIGINdoubt2
Origin:
1200-1300 French douter, from Latin dubitareVERB TABLE
doubt
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | doubt |
| he, she, it | doubts | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | doubted |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have doubted |
| he, she, it | has doubted | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had doubted |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will doubt |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have doubted |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- At the time we seriously doubted that the doctor had got the diagnosis right.
- He doubted that the car was hers because everyone knew she had no money.
- He may be able to do a good job, but I doubt it.
- He wondered how he could ever have doubted her.
- I doubt whether I'll be able to find a decent car for the price I can afford.
- I very much doubt whether we'll get someone for the job by September.
- In all the years I knew him I never once doubted his story.
- It was possible that Maggie had been delayed, but he doubted it.
- She says she'll leave him, but I doubt very much that she will.
- Some people doubted that the attacks on the American ships had actually taken place.
- The Navy never seriously doubted the inquiry's findings.
- They seriously doubted whether the letter had ever existed.
- We'd better go to the party, but I doubt if it'll be very exciting.
- Her sincerity made me doubt my own version of events.
- I doubted that I would find one in time.
- No-one can doubt its power to evoke the imagination of millions upon millions of people through the ages and today.
- Still, I could not doubt that my vision had occurred, even though I had no way to verify it.
- They doubt that Caravaggio was even homosexual, as is widely believed.
- Who could doubt that at this late date?
THESAURUS
to think that something may not be true or that it is unlikely: · ‘Do you think she really is eighteen?’ ‘I doubt it.’· There was so much noise that I doubt if anyone slept.
to doubt that something will happen, is true, or is a good idea: · Economists are doubtful that the situation will improve this year.· ‘You can eat the whole fish including the head.’ Janey looked dubious.· When my husband suggested emigrating, I was dubious at first.· Mum looked doubtful when I suggested having a party for all my friends.
to feel that a plan or idea may not be good because you think there may be some problems with it: · Health care professionals had reservations about giving both vaccines together.
to feel worried about doing something, because it may have a bad result: · Ralph had serious misgivings about changing his career at the age of 50.
to be unsure exactly how you feel about something or someone because there are both good and bad things about them: · I have very mixed feelings about moving house – it’s exciting but I’ll miss this area.
to start having doubts about whether a decision you have just made is the right one: · I liked the dress in the shop, but when I got it home I had second thoughts.
Longman Language Activatornot caring about something: don't think (that) · At first I didn't think that Jim was going to reply.· I don't think many people will come to the meeting, do you?don't think so · "Do we have any coffee left?'' "I don't think so -- I'll have a look.''· "Is Mr Brown there?'' "No, I don't think so, I saw him go out earlier.''
to think that something will probably not happen or is probably not true: doubt if/whether: · We'd better go to the party, but I doubt if it'll be very exciting.· I doubt whether I'll be able to find a decent car for the price I can afford. doubt (that): · Some people doubted that the attacks on the American ships had actually taken place.very much doubt/doubt very much: · I very much doubt whether we'll get someone for the job by September.seriously doubt: · At the time we seriously doubted that the doctor had got the diagnosis right.doubt it: · It was possible that Maggie had been delayed, but he doubted it.
if you are doubtful about something, you do not believe that it will happen or should be done: · Mick felt optimistic about going to work in Hong Kong, but Sue was doubtful.· My brother looked doubtful when I asked him if he'd mind looking after the baby.be doubtful about: · A lot of us felt doubtful about the project at the beginning.be doubtful (that): · The doctor said she was doubtful that antibiotics would work.it is doubtful whether/that/if: · It is doubtful that life could survive under such extreme conditions as these.
if you are dubious about something, you do not think it is a good idea or that it is true: · "Do you think they'll let us in?'' Gabby looked dubious.be dubious about: · Marian is still dubious about whether any of the government's "solutions" will work.
spoken say this when you think something is very unlikely to happen or is very unlikely to be true: · I'd be surprised if they get here in time for the show.· I'd be very surprised if Ronnie got the job -- he just doesn't have enough experience.
spoken say this when you think that something is unlikely to happen or be true, especially when you are not completely sure that you are right: I wouldn't have thought (that): · I wouldn't have thought that there would be much traffic on a Sunday morning.I wouldn't have thought so: · "Will John and Carmen be coming tonight?" "I wouldn't have thought so. They're very busy at the moment."
spoken use this in order to say politely that you think what someone has said is unlikely: · "I think Kate and Eddie will end up getting married." "Really? I'm not sure about that."
when you do not believe something to not believe that something is true or that someone is telling the truth: · She doesn't believe anything he tells her.· I told her it was an accident, but she didn't believe me.not believe (that): · I don't believe you meant half the things you said.not believe a word of it (=not believe it at all): · They say they're going to send me the money, but I don't believe a word of it.
formal to not believe something, especially something that someone has told you: · He had nothing to gain from lying so we saw no reason to disbelieve him.· Kim, of course, disbelieved every word the boy said.
to think that something may not really be true or that someone may not really be telling the truth, even though you are not completely sure: · In all the years I knew him I never once doubted his story.· He wondered how he could ever have doubted her.doubt (that): · He doubted that the car was hers because everyone knew she had no money.doubt whether/if: · They seriously doubted whether the letter had ever existed.I doubt it spoken: · He may be able to do a good job, but I doubt it.doubt very much/seriously doubt (=think something is almost certainly not true): · She says she'll leave him, but I doubt very much that she will.
British /take something with a grain of salt American to not completely believe what someone says to you because you know that they do not always tell the truth: · It's best to take what he says with a pinch of salt - he's always exaggerating.· Every once in a while I go to a psychic, but I take everything she says with a grain of salt.
the feeling that you cannot believe someone or something, especially because it is very surprising: · When people hear tragic news their first reaction is usually one of disbelief.· My story was met with a mixture of disbelief and contempt.do something in disbelief: · I stared at him in utter disbelief.
also skeptical American someone who is sceptical about something is not sure whether it is true, or does not really believe it: · When I started this investigation I was sceptical.· His attitude towards all religion is sceptical.sceptical about: · I wish him luck, but I'm skeptical about his chances of success.
someone who is cynical is not willing to believe that people have good or honest reasons for doing something: · I think movie stars just do charity work to get publicity - but maybe I'm too cynical.· an author with a cynical view of lifecynical about: · Since her divorce, she's become very cynical about men.
unable to believe something because it is so surprising that it seems impossible: · Everyone looked incredulous when I said I used to drive a taxi.· "A millionaire!" she was incredulous. "Like hell he is!"· The announcement was met by incredulous laughter.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I doubt we’ll ever see him again. You can complain, but I doubt if it’ll make any difference. ‘Do you think there’ll be any tickets left?’ ‘I doubt it (=I don’t think so).’ I have no reason to doubt his word (=think that he is lying).COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Cast aside your fears. This just confirms my worst fears. Their faces were suddenly filled with fear. I have grave doubts about his ability. Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. There was still a nagging doubt in the back of her mind. The way the research was carried out raises doubts about the results. The evidence was clear, and there was little room for doubt. There’s not a shred of doubt (=no doubt at all) in my mind that we will win. an attempt to sow doubt among the jury members Local people are questioning the wisdom of spending so much money on a new road.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
I doubt we’ll ever see him again. You can complain, but I doubt if it’ll make any difference. ‘Do you think there’ll be any tickets left?’ ‘I doubt it (=I don’t think so).’ I have no reason to doubt his word (=think that he is lying). Cast aside your fears. This just confirms my worst fears. (=not believe that something exists)· Some people doubt the existence of life at the very bottom of the ocean.
(=say or show that you are not sure whether something is true or right)· Environmentalists began to express doubts about the benefits of biofuels.
Their faces were suddenly filled with fear. I have grave doubts about his ability. Any lingering hopes of winning the title soon disappeared. There was still a nagging doubt in the back of her mind. The way the research was carried out raises doubts about the results. The evidence was clear, and there was little room for doubt. There’s not a shred of doubt (=no doubt at all) in my mind that we will win. an attempt to sow doubt among the jury members Local people are questioning the wisdom of spending so much money on a new road.· Her family had never doubted she was heading for the top job.· He never doubted that he knew all.· I think you need never doubt that he loves you.· Some of the tales were the apocrypha of his enemies, others Mitchell never doubted to be true.· I never doubted that I was on a road that led somewhere.· We never doubted that the way we did things would catch on.· The Khatami camp never doubted that their man would win a second presidential term.· Walt Disney never doubted for a moment that he could make Snow white.
· Nobody seriously doubts that butter is lovely stuff.· Montagu testified that they never seriously doubted Lloyd George's ability to form a Government.· I doubt if anyone would seriously doubt that, now, as a matter of fact, this is the case.· Questions about why these examples and not others constantly loom, because we can seriously doubt how representative the selected texts are.
NOUN· None doubted his ability, but Hardaker frowned upon his frankness.· Some doubted its ability to withstand rough weather.· She doubted her own ability to survive that long.· Montagu testified that they never seriously doubted Lloyd George's ability to form a Government.· She would have liked to be nearer to the panel, but she doubted her ability to kneel or squat in the spacesuit.· I doubt my ability for it.· But still she doubted her ability to hold out against him.
· But do we doubt the existence of thought?· In 4.2 I gave reasons for doubting the existence or if not the existence the usefulness of infallible beliefs.· You don't doubt the existence of chairs and tables, or the paper on which these words are written.
· Was there any reason to doubt that 1972 would be just as successful?· There is little reason to doubt O'Neill's honesty: clearly she had a very unusual experience.· There are many reasons to doubt that.· There is little reason to doubt the efficiency of this engine of justice.· While there were clearly political motives involved, there seems no reason to doubt his sincerity.· We know this from Soviet accounts, but there is little reason to doubt them.· Those who proclaimed it may have done so for cynical reasons, but I doubt that they genuinely believed it.
· Not for one moment did he doubt the validity of those ideas.· Such evidence casts doubt on the validity of the income / leisure trade-off model.· Later we shall have cause to doubt its accuracy and validity.· If our beliefs have never been challenged or put to the test we may doubt their validity now.
· It was as if the mere presence of the prize made each man doubt his own wisdom.
· Once you doubt my word, that's it.· I expect you will not doubt my word too?· It never occurred to her to doubt the warrior's word.· She doubted the words would even be able to leave her mouth.
VERB· By the autumn of 1959, the Chiefs of Staff had begun to doubt its viability as an effective deterrent.· I was teaching economics and watching people die on the streets when I began doubting what I had learned from the textbooks.· I began to doubt my own soundness of mind.· He had even begun to doubt himself!· Otherwise we begin to doubt the concept.· Some people began to doubt Frank.
· The Newsweek story also casts doubt on the official version of what happened to Whitewater itself.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
- She claimed she wasn't trying to commit suicide, and doctors gave her the benefit of the doubt.
- Something didn't seem quite right, but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
- A foot abscess had cast doubts on the colt's participation in the Epsom Classic on Wednesday week.
- Both studies cast doubt on individuals' awareness of tax changes and therefore suggest a low labour response.
- But this very silence casts doubt on Mancini's central point that the council actually voted down the king's expressed wishes.
- Journalists and diplomatic sources, however, cast doubt on the government's version.
- Some are oversensitive, which leads to annoyance and casts doubt on readings which might not be inaccurate.
- That, the authors conclude, casts doubt on the refuge hypothesis.
- This casts doubt on the suggestion that Asclepiodatus was also responsible for the shorter prologue of Lex Salica.
- To cast doubt on the importance of production is thus to bring into questIon the foundation of the entire edifice.
- I like the element of risk.
- If Weaver had been watching as Liz Spalding had been smuggled into the house, then the element of surprise was lost.
- It contains a major element of truth, even if it is not precisely the truth which its originators intended.
- The element of risk gave it an added excitement.
- There is an element of truth in all of these.
- There were elements of truth in this critique, Jim supposed.
- Web browsers, once limited to displaying text and graphics and downloading files, have created an entirely new element of risk.
- What I do is count on the element of surprise.
- Almost immediately, the fretting, niggling worries and the sense of fearful anticipation began to return.
- Always, in the background, in the dim recesses of her mind, there had been that niggling doubt.
- And here a niggling doubt enters the mind.
- Nor did it remove the niggling suspicion that Isabel was hiding something.
- Of course, this is usually so, but I am having little niggling doubts about such a sweeping statement.
- There remains the niggling doubt that this delay has something to do with our muddled sentimentality towards animals.
- There was, however, a niggling doubt in the minds of some of the jurors.
- The authenticity of the relics is open to doubt.
- Their motives are open to question.
- But whether Republicans want to cooperate is open to question.
- Even if, as is open to question, screen violence really does invite emulation, that is the wrong approach.
- In particular, the significance of the small number who say their work has been deskilled is open to question.
- It also is open to question how well equipped courts are to make this kind of determination-about the workings of economic markets.
- The entire business of basing regulations on animal tests is open to question.
- The President acceded to the Chancellor's request for two reasons, both of which were open to question.
- Whether the yeast could ever be as abundant as this is open to question.
- Whether this kind of Labour Party is capable of winning a general election is open to doubt.
- Their conversation had planted doubts in Dennis' mind about the partnership.
- Civilised society generally only convicts where a man is guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
- Finally, although it is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, most experts agree that dry foods are beneficial to the teeth.
- If theft is not proved beyond reasonable doubt, they should consider handling.
- If we knew that, I think we'd be beyond reasonable doubt.
- In many cases, it will be hard for the prosecution to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is lying.
- It means only that prosecutors failed to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, he said.
- Once the issue is validly raised, the prosecution has the burden of disproving it beyond reasonable doubt.
- They had to feel, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Bill had killed Sandy.
- Don't ask me how - but I knew it without a shadow of a doubt.
- Now she knew without a shadow of doubt that she wasn't.
- But whether the parent with the yellow flowers supplies the egg or the pollen makes not the slightest difference.
- I tried closing my eyes; it made not the slightest difference.
- There was now not the slightest doubt that Hsu was decaying and losing her structural integrity.
- In the sickroom or with Diniz, Nicholas never threw doubt on the arrival of Katelina's dream fleet.
- The market people passed comments on his wife and, he said, threw doubt on his ability to better her.
- Wallis further throws doubt on Gusfield's claim that he had in fact identified a status group.
- What they have to say throws doubt on previous inferences about how labour-intensive Maya agricultural techniques were, at least at San Antonio.
WORD FAMILYadjectivedoubtfuldoubtlessindubitableundoubtedadverbdoubtfullyindubitablyundoubtedlynoundoubtdoubterverbdoubt
1to think that something may not be true or that it is unlikely: Kim never doubted his story.doubt (that) I doubt we’ll ever see him again.doubt if/whether You can complain, but I doubt if it’ll make any difference. ‘Do you think there’ll be any tickets left?’ ‘I doubt it (=I don’t think so).’2to not trust or have confidence in someone: I never doubted myself. I always knew I could play tennis at this level. She loved him, and had never doubted him. I have no reason to doubt his word (=think that he is lying).—doubter noun [countable]GRAMMARPatterns with doubt• You doubt whether someone can do something: · I doubt whether we can afford a new car.· She doubted whether she could trust him again.• You doubt whether something will happen: · I doubt whether the plan will work.· He doubted whether this would happen.• You can also say doubt if with the same meaning as doubt whether: · I doubt if we can afford a new car.· I doubt if the plan will work.• You can also say doubt that: · I doubt that we can afford a new car.· I doubt that the plan will work. ✗Don’t say: doubt aboutUsing the progressiveThe verb doubt is not usually used in the progressive. You say: · I doubt he’ll come to the party. ✗Don’t say: I am doubting he’ll come to the party.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSTHESAURUSdoubt to think that something may not be true or that it is unlikely: · ‘Do you think she really is eighteen?’ ‘I doubt it.’· There was so much noise that I doubt if anyone slept.be doubtful/dubious /ˈdjuːbiəs $ ˈduː-/ to doubt that something will happen, is true, or is a good idea: · Economists are doubtful that the situation will improve this year.· ‘You can eat the whole fish including the head.’ Janey looked dubious.· When my husband suggested emigrating, I was dubious at first.· Mum looked doubtful when I suggested having a party for all my friends.have reservations to feel that a plan or idea may not be good because you think there may be some problems with it: · Health care professionals had reservations about giving both vaccines together.have misgivings to feel worried about doing something, because it may have a bad result: · Ralph had serious misgivings about changing his career at the age of 50.have mixed feelings to be unsure exactly how you feel about something or someone because there are both good and bad things about them: · I have very mixed feelings about moving house – it’s exciting but I’ll miss this area.have second thoughts to start having doubts about whether a decision you have just made is the right one: · I liked the dress in the shop, but when I got it home I had second thoughts.