DOUBTFUL • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Doubtful

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/dˈaʊtfəl/ Listen

adjective

Doubtful adj.

1.

Not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating in belief; also used, metaphorically, of the body when its action is affected by such a state of mind; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety of a measure. "Methinks I should know you, and know this man; Yet I am doubtful." "With doubtful feet and wavering resolution."

2.

Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear, or certain; questionable; not decided; not easy to be defined, classed, or named; as, a doubtful case, hue, claim, title, species, and the like. "Beauty is but a vain and doubtful good." "Is it a great cruelty to expel from our abode the enemy of our peace, or even the doubtful friend (i. e., one as to whose sincerity there may be doubts)?"

3.

Characterized by ambiguity; dubious; as, a doubtful expression; a doubtful phrase.

4.

Of uncertain issue or event. "We... have sustained one day in doubtful fight." "The strife between the two principles had been long, fierce, and doubtful."

5.

Fearful; apprehensive; suspicious. (Obs.) "I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosomed with her."

Synonyms: Wavering; vacillating; hesitating; undetermined; distrustful; dubious; uncertain; equivocal; ambiguous; problematical; questionable.

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Etymology of 'Doubtful'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Doubtful" Quotes from Famous Books

... But his face looked doubtful. He saw, and Adam Colfax saw, signs of distress in the fleet. Under the persistent and terrible fire of the warriors the two lines of boats were beginning to sag apart. There were some collisions, and, although no boat had yet ...

— The Riflemen of the Ohio - A Story of the Early Days along "The Beautiful River" • Joseph A. Altsheler

... a little disconcerted, and it struck her that, though he would not say so, he was doubtful whether the Greville influence might not render Henry unmanageable; but he quickly gave it another turn. "Only you must not plague us about ...

— The Stokesley Secret • Charlotte M. Yonge

... so surely as it is just in itself, in our endeavours to convert others we convince ourselves; and, from lukewarm apologists, we become earnest advocates. This was just Mr. Whately's case: he had begun to canvass for the admission of Charlie with a doubtful sense of its propriety, and in attempting to overcome the groundless prejudices of others, he was convicted of ...

— The Garies and Their Friends • Frank J. Webb

... had been on the lookout for witches' brooms. In the swamp beyond the brook we found six, only two of which were perfect enough to use as decorations; at first we were a little doubtful of being able to fill this part of the order. There was one place, however, where we knew they could be found, and that was in the great fir swamp along Lurvey's Stream, on the way up to the hay meadows. ...

— A Busy Year at the Old Squire's • Charles Asbury Stephens

... close and exciting. Both parties were confident of victory, and were preparing vigorously to keep their adherents at fever pitch by rallies and torch-light processions. Although the result of the caucus was not doubtful, it was understood between Lyons and Selma that he would call at the house that evening to let her know that he had been successful. She was waiting to receive him in the library. Mr. Parsons had gone to bed. ...

— Unleavened Bread • Robert Grant

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