French Conversation · Level 29
89 words
French word
douter
Pronunciation
IPA/dute/
Meaning
- verbdoubt
Example
Je doute de sa réponse.
I doubt his answer.
More examples
Je doute qu'il vienne.
I doubt that he will come.
Core concept
A claim remains at a distance while trust in it is still unsettled.
Common phrases
douter de quelque chose
doubt something
douter de quelqu'un
doubt someone
douter de soi
doubt oneself
Similar words
se demander: To ask oneself about something in search of an answer or reason.
hésiter: To be unable to decide what to do and delay taking action.
se méfier de: To distrust someone or something and stay on guard around it.
Definition in French
Avoir des réserves quant à la véracité ou à la fiabilité de quelque chose.
Word origin
The verb douter developed from Latin dubitare through Old French doter and retained the idea of hesitation before certainty.
Usage tips
- The reflexive form se douter de often means to suspect or realize, so it differs from ordinary douter de.