C2adverbformalemotionslanguage
US/ˈduː.bi.əs.li/
UK/ˈdjuː.bi.əs.li/
in a way that shows you doubt something; also in a way that may be dishonest or illegal
In context
She looked dubiously at the cheap street sushi and decided not to try it.
"Are you sure this road goes to the beach?" he asked dubiously.
According to the investigation, the politician's fortune was dubiously acquired.
Words that go with dubiously
verb + adverb
- looked dubiouslyThe customer looked dubiously at the price tag.
- asked dubiously"Is it safe to swim here?" she asked dubiously.
- said dubiously"I suppose it could work," he said dubiously.
- glanced dubiouslyThe waiter glanced dubiously at our muddy shoes.
- stared dubiouslyThe children stared dubiously at the green soup.
adverb + adjective
- dubiously legalThe app collects data in ways that are dubiously legal.