dubitative

American  

[doo-bi-tey-tiv, dyoo-] / ˈdu bɪˌteɪ tɪv, ˈdyu- /

adjective

1. doubting; doubtful.

2. expressing doubt.

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Other Word Forms

• dubitatively adverb
• undubitative adjective
• undubitatively adverb

Etymology

Origin of dubitative

1605–15; < Late Latin dubitātīvus, equivalent to dubitāt ( us ) ( see dubitation) + -īvus -ive

Example Sentences

As for this peace," said Mr. Poyser, turning his head on one side in a dubitative manner and giving a precautionary puff to his pipe between each sentence, "I don't know.

From Adam Bede by Eliot, George

"No," said Tom, opening his pocket-knife and holding it over the puff, with his head on one side in a dubitative manner.

From The Mill on the Floss by Eliot, George

Stephen's face gave back the priest's indulgent smile and, not being anxious to give an opinion, he made a slight dubitative movement with his lips.

From A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by Joyce, James

Nor was George's seconding of important nature; most dubitative, wholly passive, you would rather say, though the River, in his quarter, lay undefended.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 14 by Carlyle, Thomas

“No,” said Tom, opening his pocketknife and holding it over the puff, with his head on one side in a dubitative manner.

From Journeys Through Bookland, Vol. 7 by Sylvester, Charles Herbert