meaning of doubt essay

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The Philosophy of Doubt by René Descartes

• Categories: Doubt Existence Rene Descartes

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Published: May 24, 2022

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to be uncertain about; consider questionable or unlikely; hesitate to believe: The police have good reason to doubt his alibi.

to distrust ; regard with suspicion: I doubted the salesman, so we decided to check with other dealers.

Archaic . to fear; be apprehensive about.

to be uncertain about something; be undecided in opinion or belief: The priest told me that it was normal to doubt, but encouraged me to nurture my faith.

a feeling of uncertainty about the truth, reality, or nature of something: We all had our doubts about your mysterious Canadian girlfriend since no one has ever seen her in person.

distrust or suspicion: Voters naturally held some doubt about the abrupt change in policy direction issued by city hall.

a general feeling of uncertainty, worry, or concern: As soon as I'd dropped out of school to become a full-time musician, I was full of doubt—what if I’d made a terrible mistake? Set your doubts aside, and listen to my business idea with an open mind.

a state of affairs such as to occasion uncertainty.

Obsolete . fear; dread.

Idioms about doubt

beyond a / the shadow of a doubt , with certainty; definitely . : Also beyond a doubt, beyond doubt.

in doubt , in a state of uncertainty or suspense: His appointment to the position is still in doubt.

certainly : There is no doubt an element of truth in what you say.

without doubt , unquestionably ; certainly .

Origin of doubt

Usage note for doubt, other words for doubt, other words from doubt.

• doubt·a·ble, adjective
• doubt·a·bly, adverb
• doubt·er, noun
• doubt·ing·ly, adverb
• doubt·ing·ness, noun
• non·doubt·a·ble, adjective
• non·doubt·er, noun
• non·doubt·ing, adjective
• non·doubt·ing·ly, adverb
• o·ver·doubt, verb (used with object)
• pre·doubt, noun, verb
• pre·doubt·er, noun
• un·doubt·a·ble, adjective
• un·doubt·ing, adjective

Words Nearby doubt

• doubting Thomas

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use doubt in a sentence

When you’re concerned with all things at one time, things become less obvious — and that’s what constitutes doubt .

I mention this not to sow doubt in your mind, not to scare you, but rather to prepare you.

It’s thrown her dreams of opening a full-service dine-in restaurant or a franchising strategy into doubt .

Explaining the reasoning behind each data point and action in your SEO proposal, and arguing from first principles, should leave less room for doubt and more for critical thinking.

Without a doubt , there’s a link between the sound and meaning for animals.

And, in the case of fluoride, at least, that doubt might actually be justified.

Stephanie Giorgio, a classical musician, credits The Class for helping her cope with anxiety, focus, fear, and self- doubt .

He no doubt had heard by then that some of the cops had ignored his request and turned their backs.

Their confrontation at dinner was, without a doubt , the highlight of the episode.

But self- doubt , while a healthy quality for human beings to have, is alas not a plus for politicians.

There was no doubt thought of his own loss in this question: yet there was, one may hope, a germ of solicitude for the mother too.

Elyon is the name of an ancient Phœnician god, slain by his son El, no doubt the “first-born of death” in Job xviii.

The patache was never seen again, and there is not much doubt that it was lost with all hands on board.

Her feet felt rooted to the floor in the wonder and doubt of this strange occurrence.

But I doubt if he feels any particular emotion himself, when he is piercing you through with his rendering.

British Dictionary definitions for doubt

/ ( daʊt ) /

uncertainty about the truth, fact, or existence of something (esp in the phrases in doubt, without doubt, beyond a shadow of doubt, etc)

(often plural) lack of belief in or conviction about something : all his doubts about the project disappeared

an unresolved difficulty, point, etc

philosophy the methodical device, esp in the philosophy of Descartes, of identifying certain knowledge as the residue after rejecting any proposition which might, however improbably, be false

obsolete fear

give someone the benefit of the doubt to presume someone suspected of guilt to be innocent; judge leniently

no doubt almost certainly

(tr; may take a clause as object) to be inclined to disbelieve : I doubt we are late

(tr) to distrust or be suspicious of : he doubted their motives

(intr) to feel uncertainty or be undecided

(tr; may take a clause as object) Scot to be inclined to believe

(tr) archaic to fear

I wouldn't doubt someone Irish I would expect nothing else from someone

usage For doubt

Derived forms of doubt.

• doubtable , adjective
• doubtably , adverb
• doubter , noun
• doubtingly , adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with doubt

see beyond a doubt; cast doubt on; give the benefit of the doubt; no doubt; shadow of a doubt.

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Doubt [2008]: A Crisis of Faith Leads to a Dissection of the Nature of Certainty

Essay on John Patrick Shanley’s directed ‘Doubt’: Since the dawn of mankind, there have been a plethora of elusive mysteries surrounding humans. The objectivity required to understand the scope and manifestation of truth has always remained out of reach. Whether it’s even possible to deduce absolutely corroborated occurrences is still unclear. Many times we get caught up in things that seem to deliberately mislead us – a meticulously constructed and carefully placed red herring. When our senses respond to stimuli in close collaboration with our thoroughly bred perceptions, the resulting cocktail is guaranteed to make our heads spin in exasperation. Belief becomes a weapon and bondage, simultaneously, as it strikes the other with suspicion and clouds the judgment of oneself. It’s at this precise moment that we learn the inevitability of uncertainty and ambiguity in our daily affairs, restructuring our entire thought process.

Doubt, directed by John Patrick Shanley, leisurely peels off the layers of such hypocrisies inherent in psychological exchanges. The plot revolves around a newly appointed priest of a Catholic church school who stands accused of inappropriate advances on a twelve-year-old African-American boy. Sister Aloysius ( Meryl Streep ), the school principal, makes it her mission to bury the priest with the assistance of history teacher Sister James (Amy Adams), who becomes an unwilling participant in her crusade. Race, religion and gender intersect in myriad opposing ways, which creates a murky dilemma for all the players involved. 

The opening sermon by Father Flynn ( Philip Seymour Hoffman ) sets a precedent for the subsequent allegations, spun like a spider’s web. He literally and figuratively sows the seeds of doubts in all those present by showing it as a strong adhesive that could act as a healing substance. One of the boys, William, impulsive and mischievous, remains dismissive towards Flynn. Sister Aloysius observes her from the window, like a fox strategizing to entrap its prey. Sister Aloysius is skeptical of his showmanship or “friendliness” towards the students. Her autocratic exercise of power to maintain the strict regime over students gets threatened by his benign presence. His secular credentials and reformist approach collide with her abrasive, old-fashioned orthodoxy. Her mistrust aggravates when sister James nonchalantly reveals a rendezvous he had with a student, providing her with an imperative to pursue the “supposed” assailant.  The two characters, father Flynn and Sister Aloysius, are also shown to inhabit entirely different worlds through alternately edited scenes. For instance, the lively feast of the priests headed by Father Flynn abruptly cuts to a funeral-like dinner of the nuns, underlined by a banging silence.

There are no hassle-free zones in this serpentine staircase of the giant secluded tower. Sister James acts as a stand-in for the audience, continuously swinging to and fro between two equally reasonably justified poles. The light flickers, and we lunge for answers in the dark, our limbs missing it by an inch. Both Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn try to convince sister James of their motives and righteousness while she tries to piece together pieces of the puzzle herself. Her quest for clarity is as flawed a concept as chastity, exemplified by both Flynn and Aloysius. Sister Aloysius reminds her multiple times in the movie that in order to do the work of God, we sometimes have to take the wrong path. An assertion out of the grasp of Sister James’ tender, straightforward worldview. 

Also, Read – The 10 Best Amy Adams Movie Performances

Meanwhile, the race and sexuality of the child further complicate the scenario. His mother (Viola Davis) is bogged down by hardship, her face oozing weariness from every pore. The boy’s father belonging to a marginalized background takes out his frustration on the boy. For her mother, the actions of Father Flynn are forgivable if it provides temporary solace to the boy. Economic prospects fuelled by a need for education in a bigoted environment are more important for her. Sister Aloysius is quick in berating the boy’s mother for being an uncaring parent, unable to understand the position she finds herself in. Father Flynn is an angelic figure in that family’s life, a place for shelter from the storm. Without any proof, the boy’s mother is unwilling to tarnish her son’s bond, knowing that he may be homosexual and their relationship questionable.

The cinematography, by Roger Deakins, is understated and only draws attention to itself when needed. The use of dutch-tilts in confrontation scenes creates a jarring, unsettling effect signifying the clash of ideals. We see images of feathers floating in the wind when Father Flynn uses them to demonstrate the wildfire caused by gossip. After Sister Aloysius’ meeting with the boy’s mother is over, a strong wind blows in the opposite direction, flailing her clothes wildly. She endures it, resisting the opposition by society, the church, and the wind to her mission.  The orange-brown tint to their scenes (Father Flynn and Aloysius) not only evokes the period setting but also displays the bleak morality imbibed in the story. The claustrophobic tight shots in the climactic battle between Flynn and Aloysius make the gut wrench in discomfort. The sparse use of Howard Shore’s composition, only when it fits the proceedings, makes sure that we do not lose sight of the bigger picture. 

Checkout – The 25 Best Movies About Writers

The runtime is appropriate for the movie to spill its beans, never stretching or shortening a bit. Sister Aloysius finally breaks down in the end, expressing her doubts. We cannot definitely pinpoint the subject matter which created them. The dogged persistence of her resolute faith, whether in God, truth, or her beliefs, makes it even more beguiling to see it shattered so abruptly. Perhaps, she had those doubts all along but suppressed them in service of her much larger egotistical self-assurance. The weakness which afflicts everyone gets the better of her in the end. They can hint at any of those feelings- the crisis of faith, impaired judgment, failed system, or her own shaky foundations on which she based her insinuations.

Like her and sister James, we would have our “doubts” about everything which transpired on screen. The indictment is irrelevant to the uncertainty which conceived it. However, as Father Flynn said, sometimes doubt can be a bond much stronger than faith. Faith is lucrative as it satisfies the restless curiosity with unfounded claims and explanations. Doubt, harder to accept, is much more challenging in its uncompromising penchant to let a multitude of possibilities gestate and emerge. Sometimes, paradoxically,  it is the only thing that can provide absolute certainty.

Doubt (2008) Official Trailer

Doubt (2008) Links: IMDb , Rotten Tomatoes Director: John Patrick Shanley Cast: Meryl Streep , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Amy Adams , Viola Davis, Alice Drummond , John Costelloe

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Pranjal is a theatre artist and an avid cinephile, he loves to read and write about films from around the world.

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Overcome self-doubt (once and for all?): 8 tips to move forward

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What is self-doubt?

The cause of self-doubt, types of self-doubt, 4 signs that you're doubting yourself, how to overcome fear and self-doubt in 8 steps.

We all experience feelings of self-doubt from time to time, whether we're starting a new job, taking a test, or playing a sport. That's perfectly normal. 

The definition of self-doubt is experiencing feelings of uncertainty about one or more aspects of yourself. 

A certain low level of self-criticism can be a good source of motivation. It use may inspire you to work harder and hone your skills to increase your confidence . But too much doubt and fear can hold you from performing well and reaching your full potential.

Though it does take time, you can overcome your doubts. BetterUp is here to help you do that. Through dedication and hard work, we give you the tools you need to embrace your beautiful, authentic self .

Self-doubt is a lack of confidence regarding yourself and your abilities . It’s a mindset that holds you back from succeeding and believing in yourself. Humility is a healthy character trait to have, but if it's at your own expense, it's no longer beneficial. 

William Shakespeare once said, “Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.” Basically, that means doubt makes us quit. 

There are many things that can cause a person to doubt themselves. Although the most useful thing is to learn how to work around your self-doubt, it can be helpful to understand what causes it.

Here are some of the common factors that lead to self-doubt. Think of these as possible explanations to help you stop beating yourself up for having doubt. For most people, trying to pinpoint exactly why they have doubt is less important than overcoming it. 

1. Narcissistic parents 

Often, we’re scared of repeating our parents’ mistakes and might be overly cautious in specific decisions as a result. But if your parents are narcissistic or arrogant, you may swing to the extreme. In response to your parents’ characteristics, you may become too modest or unconfident . You may question your own actions. This makes it hard to accept praise. 

2. The "drill sergeant approach"

Showing yourself “tough love” can be an effective motivator as it urges you to work harder the next time. But repeatedly criticizing yourself does far more harm than good. Self-sabotage from overworking and a fear of becoming lazy or “soft” can arise if this behavior continues. 

3. Past experiences

There’s truth to the saying “the past can haunt us.” Our experiences shape who we are and how we see others and the world. Lots of us struggle to let go. Failures and setbacks from the past can leave us overwhelmed with self-doubt. 

4. Fear of failure and fear of success

The fear of falling short and disappointing others is just as real as the fear of being unable to replicate our past successes. We might think it was luck that got us this far instead of our talents if we’re filled with doubt.

Self-doubt often manifests in three forms. 

The first is imposter syndrome , or the illogical fear of others seeing you as a fraud or undeserving of your accomplishments. 

Next is self-sabotage, which refers to undermining yourself, your values, and your goals. 

The third is indecisiveness or struggling to make big and small decisions due to worries that whatever path you choose will be wrong. 

All of these things erode your self-esteem over time, and the negativity with which you view yourself increases.

Common indications that you may be dealing with self-doubt in your personal or professional life include:

1. You can’t accept compliments from others, and you can’t give yourself credit 

2. You constantly seek reassurance

3. You have low self-esteem

4. You feel like you’re never good enough

Here are some good habits for you to keep in mind to stop doubting yourself: 

1. Practice self-compassion 

Self-doubt means that you’re holding yourself back. It arises from the fear of making a mistake , but mistakes are how we grow and improve our own abilities. Look at yourself in the mirror and say three positive affirmations at the beginning of every day. 

2. Think back to your past achievements 

Self-reflection is a fantastic tool; it reminds us that we’re capable of what we want to achieve. But living in the past can take away from the present moment. Learning from what’s happened — not dwelling on the bad — and focusing on using the lessons you’ve learned from those times to improve the present is what truly matters. 

3. Try not to compare yourself to others

Self-doubt can also arise when you measure yourself up against a family member, colleague, or even a celebrity. Everyone’s life is different, and someone else excelling doesn’t mean you don’t have any strengths. Instead of comparing yourself to others ,  focus on yourself — it’s one of the best ways to stay happy and accomplish your dreams. 

4. Spend your time with supportive people

Being around people who put us down is one of the worst things for our mental health. Some people won’t support you, but others absolutely will. Spend your time with people who make you feel good; they can build you up when you’re struggling to encourage yourself. 

5. Remember, you are your biggest inner critic 

No one holds us to a higher standard than ourselves. You wouldn’t put down your mother for not being chosen for a job or your sister for not receiving top marks on her school essay, so why do that to yourself? Apologizing to yourself is one of the most important steps toward healing and moving forward. 

6. Seek professional help

It’s okay to ask for help, especially if self-doubt is a persistent obstacle that you’re facing. Talking about our feelings and insecurities allows us to unburden ourselves and be heard. 

7. Start journaling

Make an effort to record what you’re thankful for and what you’re proud of doing each day. Your journal may cover everything from earning a promotion at work or remembering to do the dishes. The more frequently you practice loving yourself, the easier it gets. 

8. Be skeptical of your thoughts

You aren’t your thoughts. Question how accurate or helpful they are. Negative thinking is a mental habit that consumes us more than it should. You can undo your habits, too. It just takes patience and commitment. 

BetterUp is a human transformation company that champions personal growth, social connections, and mental fitness. We emphasize a conscious shift in thinking, from reactive to proactive, to open up a realm of opportunities. We won’t sugar coat it — it takes work to improve, but the effort is worth it. We’re here to guide you and empower you into becoming the very best person you can be. 

Elizabeth Perry

Content Marketing Manager, ACC

Building resilience part 6: what is self-efficacy?

25 positive affirmations to defeat imposter syndrome, when you are the obstacle: how to overcome self-sabotage, the hidden benefits of self-compassion, 33 self-esteem journal prompts for confidence & self-compassion, what self-love truly means and ways to cultivate it, what is self-efficacy definition and 7 ways to improve it, 7 tips on how to deal with rejection, learn how to stop self-pity with these tips, similar articles, perfectionism isn't a virtue (and doesn't help well-being, either), fear of success: why we’re sometimes afraid of being our best, is it possible to learn how to not be shy 9 ways to overcome it, 7 ways to overcome fear of failure and move forward in life, when purpose is hard to find, how to move forward with intent, don't let limiting beliefs hold you back. learn to overcome yours, how to stop self-sabotaging: 5 steps to change your behavior, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Doubt / The Effects and Consequences of Doubt in one’s Life

The Effects and Consequences of Doubt in one's Life

• Category: Life
• Topic: Doubt

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