| doubtful | 1. Not settled in opinion; undetermined; wavering; hesitating in belief; also used, metaphorically, of the body when its action is affected by such a state of mind; as, we are doubtful of a fact, or of the propriety of a measure. "Methinks I should know you, and know this man; yet I am doubtful." (Shak) "With doubtful feet and wavering resolution." (Milton) 2. Admitting of doubt; not obvious, clear, or certain; questionable; not decided; not easy to be defined, classed, or named; as, a doubtful case, hue, claim, title, species, and the like. "Beauty is but a vain and doubtful good." (Shak) "Is it a great cruelty to expel from our abode the enemy of our peace, or even the doubtful friend [i. E, one as to whose sincerity there may be doubts]?" (Bancroft) 3. Characterised by ambiguity; dubious; as, a doubtful expression; a doubtful phrase. 4. Of uncertain issue or event. "We . . . Have sustained one day in doubtful fight." (Milton) "The strife between the two principles had been long, fierce, and doubtful." (Macaulay) 5. Fearful; apprehensive; suspicious. "I am doubtful that you have been conjunct And bosomed with her." (Shak) Synonym: Wavering, vacillating, hesitating, undetermined, distrustful, dubious, uncertain, equivocal, ambiguous, problematical, questionable. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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