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Dubious: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：questionable or suspicious (dubious)
dubious
/ˈdjuːbiəs/
adj.
Feeling that something is probably not true, honest, or good.
questionable or suspicious
➕
/ˈkwes.tʃən.ə.bəl ɔːr səˈspɪʃ.əs/
adj.
Describes something that arouses doubt or suspicion about its truth, honesty, or quality.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'dubius' (wavering, doubtful), from 'duo' (two) suggesting hesitation between two options.
💡 Mnemonic
Think: "DOUBT U S?" (Sounds like 'dubious'). You feel doubt or suspicion about something.
📖 Example
The company made some dubious claims about their new diet drink helping you lose weight overnight.
The company made some claims that seemed questionable or suspicious about their new diet drink helping you lose weight overnight.
🔗 Collocations
dubious claims – statements that are not fully believable or trustworthy
dubious motives – reasons for action that are suspected to be dishonest or selfish
dubious reputation – a questionable or not entirely positive public standing
🔄 Synonyms
skeptical (adj.) – Having doubts or reservations about something.
questionable (adj.) – Open to doubt or challenge; not clearly true or honest.
suspect (adj.) – Not to be relied on or trusted; possibly dangerous or false.
🚫 Antonyms
trustworthy (adj.) – Able to be relied on as honest or truthful.
credible (adj.) – Able to be believed; convincing.
reliable (adj.) – Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
🌱 Derivatives
dubiously (adv.) – In a doubtful or hesitant manner; questionably.
dubiousness (n.) – The quality of being doubtful or questionable.
📖 Cultural Story
Comes from Latin 'dubius', meaning 'wavering' or 'doubtful'. It shares the same root with the English word 'doubt'. Historically, it describes a state of being in two minds, literally between two (duo) possibilities.
Meaning 2：hesitant or uncertain (dubious)
dubious
/ˈdjuːbiəs/
adj.
Not sure about something and therefore hesitating.
hesitant or uncertain
➕
/ˈhez.ɪ.tənt ɔːr ʌnˈsɜː.tən/
adj.
Describes a state of feeling unsure or indecisive about a course of action, a choice, or a fact.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Emma was dubious about which university major to choose, as both computer science and graphic design interested her greatly.
Emma felt hesitant or uncertain about which university major to choose, as both computer science and graphic design interested her greatly.
🔗 Collocations
dubious about – feeling uncertain or hesitant regarding something
feel dubious – to experience doubt or uncertainty
remain dubious – to continue to be uncertain or unconvinced
🔄 Synonyms
unsure (adj.) – Not confident or certain.
hesitant (adj.) – Tentative, unsure, or slow in acting or speaking.
indecisive (adj.) – Not able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
dubiously (adv.) – In a doubtful or hesitant manner; questionably.
dubiousness (n.) – The quality of being doubtful or questionable.
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