doubtfully

doubtfully — adverb

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

1.副詞B2
釋義

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

例句

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

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • confidently

    opposite in both tone and certainty

  • certainly

    expresses definite assurance rather than questioning

  • assuredly

    formal synonym for confidently, with no hint of doubt

用法筆記

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.

常見錯誤

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