Etymology Map
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Doubt

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to feel uncertain about

Where does the word "doubt" come from? It comes from Latin dubitare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
dubitare
Latin · ancient
"to waver"
related to 'duo', two: being of two minds
2
Stage 2 of 3
doter
Old French · medieval
"to doubt; to fear"
the silent 'b' was added in the 1400s to match Latin
3
Stage 3 of 3
doubt
English · 1200s
"to be uncertain"
also meant 'to fear' in early English
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Read the full story

Doubt’s story begins in Latin: dubitare meant “to waver.” Related to 'duo', two: being of two minds. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as doter. The silent 'b' was added in the 1400s to match Latin. It reached English by 1200s as doubt. Also meant 'to fear' in early English. Today, doubt means to feel uncertain about.