doubtfully

doubtfully — adverb

1. showing that you are not certain about something by the way you look, speak, or

1.adverbB2
Definition

showing that you are not certain about something by the way you look, speak, or act — with hesitation or a questioning attitude

Example

Soraya looked doubtfully at the map, unsure if they were heading the right way.

looked doubtfully at + noun

"Are you sure this will work?" Linh asked doubtfully, frowning.

asked doubtfully + direct speech

Common collocations
  • looked doubtfully at
  • asked doubtfully
  • shook [one's] head doubtfully
  • glanced doubtfully at
  • stared doubtfully at
  • replied doubtfully
  • raised an eyebrow doubtfully
Synonyms
  • skeptically

    stronger sense of active disbelief or suspicion rather than passive uncertainty

  • questioningly

    focuses on the manner of asking, implying the person expects an explanation

  • uncertainly

    slightly weaker; describes a lack of confidence rather than active doubt

  • hesitantly

    emphasises slowness or reluctance in action or speech, not facial expression

Antonyms
  • confidently

    opposite in both tone and certainty

  • certainly

    expresses definite assurance rather than questioning

  • assuredly

    formal synonym for confidently, with no hint of doubt

Usage Note

Frequently used with verbs of looking (glanced, looked, stared), speaking (asked, said, replied), or reacting (shook one's head, raised an eyebrow). Less common in formal writing, where adverbs like 'skeptically' or 'with reservation' may be preferred.

Common Mistakes

He doubtfully knew the answer' (meaning certainly).
He doubtlessly knew the answer.
'doubtfully' means showing uncertainty; 'doubtlessly' means without any doubt.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

Doubtfully is the most neutral choice for describing behaviour that shows uncertainty. Skeptically adds active disbelief — someone who looks at a claim skeptically is inclined not to trust it. Questioningly focuses specifically on the manner of asking, implying the person expects an answer or explanation. Uncertainly overlaps with doubtfully but is weaker, describing a lack of confidence rather than active questioning. Hesitantly describes slowness or reluctance in action or speech rather than facial expression — you can hesitate before speaking but look doubtful while speaking. For example: 'She looked doubtfully at the price tag' (she thinks it is too high) contrasts with 'She looked uncertainly at the price tag' (she is not sure how much she can spend).

skepticallyquestioningly ↗uncertainly ↗hesitantly

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • shake one's head
  • raise an eyebrow

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

The word 'doubtfully' is built from the noun 'doubt', which comes from Old French 'douter' (to be uncertain), tracing back to Latin 'dubitare' (to hesitate, to be in doubt). The suffix '-ful' (full of) was added to form the adjective 'doubtful', and then '-ly' was attached to turn it into an adverb meaning 'in a doubtful manner'.