dubious
/ˈd(j)uːbiəs/
adjective
Origin
Latin
dubius — wavering, uncertain
Overview
Meaning Now
- Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon; suspect.
- Morally suspect; of questionable value or quality.
Literal older meaning
wavering between two opinions
Language path
Latin → Middle English → English
Earliest form
dubious
Earliest period
16th century
Journey
The word stems from the PIE root *duo (two), reflecting the psychological state of being pulled between two different viewpoints or paths, which results in uncertainty.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
duo
“two”
Representing the state of being split in two or divided in opinion.
- Latin
dubium
“doubt”
- Latin
dubius
“uncertain, doubtful”
- English
dubious
“full of doubt”
Connections
Word parts
dubi-
root
doubt
-ous
suffix
full of; characterized by
Related across languages
French
douteux
doubtful
Spanish
dudoso
doubtful
Explore next
Related to dubious
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.