doubt

doubtverb

1. think not truethink that something is probably not true or will probably not happen

   With whether or if, the speaker is simply not sure: I doubt whether it matters. With that, or with no linking word, the speaker thinks the answer is probably no.

   transitive [T] verb + that-clause [V + that] verb + object [V + obj] verb + wh-clause [V + wh]

   • I doubt that she'll come tonight. V + that
   • "Will it rain?" "I doubt it." V + obj
   • I doubt he even noticed the mistake. V + that (that left out)
   • I doubt whether the plan will work. V + wh

   Collocations

   adverb + verb seriously doubt, strongly doubt, rather doubt

   phrase I doubt it, I doubt very much that

   Compare suspect (think something probably is true)

2. not trustnot believe that someone is honest or that something is true or good enough

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + that-clause [V + that]

   • She never doubted his story. V + obj
   • Don't doubt yourself; you're ready for this. V + obj
   • Nobody doubts her ability to do the job. V + obj
   • I didn't doubt for a moment that you would win. V + that

   Collocations

   verb + noun doubt someone's word, doubt someone's ability, doubt yourself

   adverb + verb never doubt

   Synonyms question

   Antonyms trust; believe