doubt

[[t]daʊt[/t]]

v. t.

1) to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely

2) to distrust

3) archaic to fear

4) to be uncertain

5) a feeling of uncertainty

6) distrust or suspicion

7) a situation causing uncertainty

•

- beyond (a or the shadow of) a doubt in doubt no doubt without doubt

Etymology: 1175–1225; ME douten < AF, OF douter < L dubitāre to waver, hesitate, be uncertain (freq. of OL dubāre) doubt′a•ble, adj. doubt′er, n. doubt′ing•ly, adv. usage: doubt and doubtful may be followed by a subordinate clause beginning with that, whether, or if. Usage guides generally distinguish among these three words when used in a positive sentence, recommending that to express conviction (I doubt that they meant to offend you) and whether and if to indicate uncertainty: It's doubtful whether (or if) anyone actually saw the notice. The expressions doubt but and doubt but that occur in all varieties of standard speech and writing: I don't doubt but (that) she is sincere. doubt but what occurs mainly in informal speech and writing: There's no doubt but what the frost will hurt the crops.