Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈdjuːbɪəs/ (British) /ˈduːbiəs/ (American)

Definitions

1. Adjective: Hesitating or doubting; not convinced or certain.
2. Adjective: Of questionable character or quality; suspicious or untrustworthy.
3. Adjective: Unlikely to be true or valid; doubtful or uncertain.

Usage Examples

• The evidence presented was dubious, leading the jury to question its validity.
• He gave a dubious smile when asked about his involvement in the project.
• She made a dubious claim about the outcome of the experiment.

Etymology

The word “dubious” originates from the Latin word “dubiosus,” which means “doubtful” or “uncertain,” derived from “dubium,” meaning “a doubt.” It entered the English language in the early 17th century to describe a state of uncertainty or suspicion.

Synonyms

• doubtful
• suspicious
• uncertain
• questionable
• skeptical

Antonyms

• certain
• confident
• trustworthy
• reliable
• assured

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the emphasis is on the first syllable: "DU-bee-us".
• In American English, the pronunciation often emphasizes the second syllable: "du-BEE-us".

Historical Usage

The word "dubious" has been used in English since the 17th century to describe something that is uncertain or questionable. It was often used in legal and philosophical contexts to express doubt or suspicion about the truthfulness or reliability of a claim or belief. Over time, the term expanded to describe anything that was unreliable or suspect.

Cultural Nuances

In Western cultures, the term "dubious" often carries a negative connotation, implying dishonesty or unreliability. In other cultures, the term may simply refer to a cautious or reserved attitude towards something uncertain, without necessarily implying any ill intent. The word is frequently used in politics, media, and science to call attention to questionable practices or claims that need further scrutiny.

More Information

Dubious is commonly used to describe anything that raises doubts or skepticism. Whether referring to a piece of information, a person, or a situation, the term suggests that further investigation or caution is required before drawing a conclusion. The word can be used both in formal and informal contexts and is often employed when there is uncertainty about the truthfulness or quality of something. It is especially useful in critical thinking and decision-making processes where skepticism is necessary to avoid false conclusions or actions.