daut n. & v. --n. 1 a
feeling of
uncertainty; an
undecided state of
mind (be in no doubt
about;
have no doubt that). 2 (often foll. by
of, about) an
inclination to
disbelieve (have one's doubts about). 3 an
uncertain state of things. 4 a
lack of full
proof or
clear indication (benefit of
the doubt). --v. 1 tr. (often foll. by
whether,
if,
that +
clause;
also foll. (after neg. or interrog.) by but, but that)
feel uncertain or undecided about (I doubt that
you are
right; I do
not doubt but that you are wrong). 2 tr.
hesitate to
believe or
trust. 3 intr. (often foll. by of) feel uncertain or undecided; have doubts (never doubted of success). 4 tr.
call in
question. 5 tr.
Brit.
archaic or
dial.
rather think that;
suspect or
fear that (I doubt we are late). øbeyond doubt
certainly. doubting Thomas an
incredulous or
sceptical person (after
John 20:24-29). in doubt uncertain;
open to question. no doubt certainly; probably;
admittedly.
without doubt (or a doubt) certainly. øødoubtable adj. doubter n. doubtingly adv. [ME doute f. OF doute (n.), douter (v.) f. L dubitare hesitate;
mod.
spelling after L]
