See Also: doubt(1)(dictionary)
doubt(2)(dictionary)
self-doubt(dictionary)
doubt 1, noun(dictionary)
doubt 2, verb(dictionary)
BEYOND REASONABLE DOUBT(law)
Beyond A Reasonable Doubt(law)
Reasonable Doubt(law)
Reasonable Doubt Standard(law)

doubt(1) (iou)



doubt noun. ME.
[Old French dote, dute (mod. doute), from douter: see DOUBT verb.]
a. Uncertainty as to the truth or reality of something or as to the wisdom of a course of action; occasion or room for uncertainty. ME.
G. B. Shaw There can be no doubt of that: everybody knows it. J. Conrad He had little doubt..of his power to get hold of the girl. M. Edwardes The Committee..casts doubt on the value of the Ryder report.
b. A feeling of uncertainty; an inclination to disbelieve or hesitate; a reason to disbelieve or hesitate, a reservation. Usu. in pl. LME.
C. Darwin One great authority..entertains grave doubts on this subject. Daily Telegraph 3 per cent. of church-goers have doubts. D. Lodge I had my doubts but dutifully plied him with questions. Jan Morris He had doubts about the saint.
a. Apprehension, fear. ME-M17.
Ld Berners They dare not, for dought of Kyng Charlemayne.
b. A cause for fear; a risk, a danger. ME-L16.
A matter surrounded in uncertainty; a doubtful point. LME-L17.
Bible (AV): Daniel 5:16 I haue heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolue doubts.
Phrases: benefit of the doubt: see BENEFIT noun. beyond a doubt, beyond all doubt, beyond doubt, beyond the shadow of a doubt = without a doubt below. make doubt be uncertain, doubt, (that, whether). in doubt (a) in a state of mental uncertainty or indecision; (b) not certainly known or decided. no doubt in all likelihood, doubtless; orig. in stronger sense = without a doubt below. out of doubt = without a doubt below. without a doubt, without doubt certainly, unquestionably.