French Conversation · Level 24
90 words
French word
doute
Pronunciation
IPA/dut/
Meaning
- masculine noundoubt
Example
J'ai un doute.
I have some doubt.
More examples
Sa réponse a semé le doute.
His answer sowed doubt.
Core concept
A mind paused between accepting and rejecting what it hears or sees.
Common phrases
mettre en doute
cast doubt on ___
éclaircir un doute
clear up a doubt
un doute persistant
a persistent doubt
Similar words
incertitude: A lack of clarity that makes the outcome or conclusion uncertain.
soupçon: A hidden belief that someone may have committed a wrongdoing.
hésitation: Difficulty choosing between options, often shown by delaying action.
méfiance: Careful distrust of another person's words or behavior.
Definition in French
Interrogation ou hésitation portant sur la vérité, la réalité ou la fiabilité d'une chose ou d'une personne.
Word origin
French doute developed from Old French doute and ultimately Latin dubitare, meaning 'to hesitate', which accounts for its senses of hesitation and uncertainty.
Usage tips
- Douter de means 'to doubt', whereas se douter de or se douter que means 'to suspect' or 'to realize'.