B2verbpsychology
US/daʊt/
UK/daʊt/
to think that something is probably not true or will probably not happen
More often (noun): a feeling of not being sure that something is true
In context
I doubt the shop will still be open at this time of night.
Nobody doubted her ability after she won the national competition.
I'm starting to doubt whether this diet really works.
Words that go with doubt
verb + preposition
- doubt whetherI doubt whether he'll finish the report by Friday.
adverb + verb
- seriously doubtI seriously doubt that the price will go down.
- strongly doubtExperts strongly doubt the company's claims.
verb + noun
- doubt your abilityNever let others make you doubt your ability.
- doubt the truthSome readers began to doubt the truth of the story.
verb + adverb
- doubt very muchI doubt very much that she knows the answer.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I doubt he stole my phone, because he was the only one in the room.Correct: I suspect he stole my phone, because he was the only one in the room.