Doubtful
/ˈdaʊt.fəl/noun
Not certain; open to question or suspicion.
Did you know?The root behind *doubt* ultimately comes from Latin *dubitare*, linked to the idea of being in two minds, which is why the word still feels split between possibilities.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dwo-
“two”
Latin
Latin
dubius
“wavering, uncertain”
Latin
Latin
dubitare
“to waver, hesitate, be uncertain”
Old French
OF
doute
“doubt, fear, uncertainty”
Middle English
English
dout(e)ful
“full of doubt or uncertainty”
Modern English
English
doubtful
“not certain; questionable”
Explore more surprising origins