Doubted

To have felt uncertainty about the truth or reality of something; to be skeptical or mistrustful of. 'Doubted' signifies a state of mental hesitation or indecision where one questions the validity, reliability, or accuracy of a claim, statement, or situation. It involves a lack of complete conviction or certainty, often stemming from a perceived absence of sufficient evidence or the presence of contradictory information. The degree of 'doubting' can range from a mild reservation to a strong disbelief, and the object of doubt can encompass anything from a person's motives to a scientific theory. It implies an active process of evaluation and critical thinking rather than passive acceptance.

Doubted meaning with examples

• The detective, after reviewing the suspect's alibi, Doubted its veracity. There were inconsistencies in the timeline that raised red flags. He wasn't convinced by the initial evidence and felt the need to dig deeper. The possibility that the alibi was fabricated loomed large, casting a shadow of suspicion over the entire case. Additional investigation was needed to clarify the truth of the matter.
• She Doubted his sincerity when he made extravagant promises. Previous experiences with him had led her to question his commitment. She anticipated some backpedaling in the end. His grand gestures and pronouncements rang hollow, because they were out of character. And she had seen it before; She decided that her skepticism was warranted, even if she hoped for otherwise.
• Many scientists initially Doubted the theory of plate tectonics. The evidence wasn't universally compelling at first. Existing geological models were not aligned with the theory. This skepticism stemmed from a lack of definitive proof at the time. Further data, eventually, established the theory, but that took some time.
• He Doubted his ability to finish the marathon. His recent injuries and lack of practice instilled fear. Physical exhaustion was a real threat. The mental challenge weighed heavily on his mind. He was aware that giving up was a possibility, if not a likely outcome at that point in the race, but he kept pushing himself, despite the fear of failure.