Word of the Day

: September 13, 2007

dubious

adjective DOO-bee-us

What It Means

1 a : of doubtful promise or outcome

b : questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality

2 : unsettled in opinion : doubtful

dubious in Context

I'm dubious that this plan will be successful, but I'm willing to try.

Did You Know?

"Dubious" derives from the Latin verb "dubare," meaning "to hesitate in choice of opinions or courses," and it is related to the Latin word for "two": "duo." "Dubious" can be used to indicate uncertainty about the result of an action or the truth of a statement as well as about the uncertainty of a person and his or her character. In either case, it usually implies a feeling of doubt from suspicion, mistrust, or hesitation.

*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.