Doubtful-Dubious | Commonly Confused Words

Doubtful

/ˈdaʊtfəl/

Feeling uncertain about something or lacking belief in its truth, reliability, or effectiveness

She's doubtful about the project's completion on time.The detective found the alibi highly doubtful.Despite his charm, his intentions were doubtful.

/ˈdjuːbiəs/

Feeling doubt about something or lacking trust.

His constant excuses seemed dubious to his friends.The contract terms raised some dubious points.Detectives found her testimony rather dubious.

"Doubtful" implies uncertainty or hesitation, while "dubious" often suggests a level of distrust or suspicion.
When youre doubtful, you are unsure about something; when youre dubious, you question its credibility or truth.
"Doubtful" is an opinion on possibility, while "dubious" often involves a moral or ethical judgment.
Try to remember that being doubtful is more about personal indecision, whereas being dubious is more about external skepticism.
If youre unsure of the facts, youre doubtful; if you question the facts themselves, you're dubious.