dubiously

IPA/ˈdjuːbiəsli/
KK[dˈubiəslˌi]IPA/ˈduːbiəsli/

dubiously — adverb

1. used when something appears acceptable on the surface but is probably dishonest,

1.副詞C1
釋義

used when something appears acceptable on the surface but is probably dishonest, untrue, or of low quality

例句

The company dubiously claimed its tea could help people lose five kilograms in a week.

dubiously + verb (claimed) modifying a dishonest assertion

His dubiously large profits from selling second-hand phones raised questions at the tax office.

dubiously + adjective (large) suggesting suspicious degree

同義詞
  • suspiciously

    stronger implication of wrongdoing; 'dubiously' can also question truth or quality, not just legality

  • questionably

    more neutral; 'dubiously' often carries a stronger sense of moral or factual doubt

  • shadily

    informal; suggests secretive or underhand behaviour

反義詞
  • honestly

    the opposite of the dishonesty implied by this sense

  • legitimately

    opposite of the questionable legality suggested by this sense

文法句型

dubiously + adjective

dubiously + past participle

dubiously + verb

用法筆記

Often modifies a past participle (e.g. dubiously obtained, dubiously sourced) or an adjective describing a suspicious quality of something. The subject is usually a claim, document, product, or financial arrangement whose legitimacy is being questioned.

常見錯誤

❌He looked dubiously at me' (when you mean he doubted me).
✅He looked at me dubiously
💡when 'dubiously' modifies a look of suspicion rather than the thing being looked at, it belongs to the SHOWING DOUBT sense.

2. showing uncertainty, hesitation, or suspicion about something through your words

2.副詞C1
釋義

showing uncertainty, hesitation, or suspicion about something through your words, facial expression, or actions

例句

The inspector looked dubiously at the scratch on the door and said nothing.

verb of perception + dubiously — looking with suspicion

Dr. Okafor shook his head dubiously when the patient said the pain had disappeared overnight.

同義詞
  • skeptically

    more intellectual doubt, often questioning evidence or logic; 'dubiously' can be more instinctive

  • doubtfully

    very close in meaning; 'dubiously' is slightly more formal and can carry a hint of suspicion

  • uncertainly

    focuses on lack of confidence rather than suspicion; milder than 'dubiously'

反義詞

文法句型

dubiously + verb

verb + dubiously

用法筆記

This is the more common of the two senses. It typically modifies verbs of looking (looked, glanced, eyed) or reacting (shook his head, raised an eyebrow). The person showing doubt is usually aware of a reason to be suspicious.

常見錯誤

❌She dubiously answered the question' (unclear — does she answer with doubt, or is her answer dishonest?).
✅She answered dubiously, glancing at the ceiling as if unsure
💡add context to show the doubt is in her manner, not her honesty.