Dubiously - English Definition & Meaning

Definition

To act 'dubiously' means with hesitation or skepticism; in a questionable manner. It suggests a lack of trust or certainty about something. It's more than just doubting; it hints at suspicion. Imagine eyeing a food that looks and smells weird before trying it. The opposite is certainly.

Etymology

'Dubiously' comes from 'dubious,' which originated in the late 16th century. 'Dubious' comes from Latin 'dubiosus,' meaning 'doubtful,' from 'dubium,' meaning 'doubt.' The '-ly' suffix transforms it into an adverb. Relate to 'doubt'.

Related Words

Examples

• "He eyed the strange-looking sandwich dubiously before taking a bite."
• "She accepted the compliment dubiously, wondering about the speaker's motives."
• "They looked dubiously at the shortcut through the dark alley."
• "The critic reviewed the movie dubiously, pointing out several flaws."

Encouragement

Use 'dubiously' to convey a sense of skepticism or suspicion. It's great for adding nuance to characters' reactions. Always question things that seem 'off'. 🤔

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