How Do You Spell DOUBTFUL?

Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ʊtfə͡l] (IPA)

The word "doubtful" is spelled with the letters d-o-u-b-t-f-u-l. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈdaʊtfəl/. The "d" sound at the beginning of the word is followed by the dipthong "ou", which is pronounced like "ow". The "b" and "t" sounds are pronounced separately, and the "f" sound is added at the end of the word. The stress is on the first syllable, the "ou" dipthong is unstressed. Overall, the spelling of "doubtful" follows standard English phonetics.

DOUBTFUL Meaning and Definition

1. Doubtful, as an adjective, refers to a state or condition of being uncertain, hesitant, or skeptical about something. It implies a lack of confidence or belief due to the presence of conflicting evidence, unreliable information, or a lack of convincing proof. When one has doubts, they are inclined to question or hesitate before accepting or trusting something. Doubtful can be used to describe situations, assertions, claims, or individuals that evoke uncertainty, disbelief, or suspicion.

   In a broader sense, the term can also indicate an outcome or result that is unpredictable or uncertain. It suggests a level of uncertainty regarding the likelihood or probability of a specific event happening, anticipating the possibility of its non-occurrence.

   A doubtful person typically demonstrates a level of skepticism or hesitation, carefully weighing the evidence or information presented to them before making a decision or forming a conclusion. Doubtful can also carry a negative connotation, often suggesting a lack of trust or faith in someone's words, actions, or intentions.

   Ultimately, the term "doubtful" encompasses a range of connotations, encompassing skepticism, uncertainty, hesitancy, suspicion, and a lack of trust, whether applied to a person's state of mind, the credibility of information or claims, or the probability of an event occurring.

2. • DOUBTFULNESS.

   • Uncertain; obscure; not clear or obvious.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DOUBTFUL *

• doubtfull 67.5675675%
• doughtful 10.8108108%
• douptful 8.1081081%
• doutfull 5.4054054%
• doudful 5.4054054%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DOUBTFUL

• doutful
• doubtfuly
• doubfull
• doubful
• doubtfyul
• dubtful
• duetful
• dountfuly
• doutfuly
• Outful
• Goustful

Etymology of DOUBTFUL

The word "doubtful" has its origins in the Old French term "doutable" which meant "to be feared" or "worthy of fear". It comes from the Latin word "dubitabilis", which means "to be doubted" or "to be uncertain". The Latin term is derived from the verb "dubitare", meaning "to doubt" or "to hesitate". Over time, the meaning of "doutable" shifted from "worthy of fear" to "uncertain" or "unreliable". Eventually, it evolved into the Modern English word "doubtful", retaining its sense of uncertainty and skepticism.

Similar spelling words for DOUBTFUL

• doubtfully,
• dutiful.