| 释义 |
ˈdoubtfulness
[f. as prec. + -ness.]
1. The quality of being doubtful:
a. Objective uncertainty of meaning or issue; ambiguity, obscurity.
1530Palsgr. 215/1 Doutfulnesse, ambiguité. 1551T. Wilson Logike (1580) 65 b, Of no one thyng riseth so muche controversie, as of the doubtfulnesse, and double takyng of a worde. 1640G. Watts tr. Bacon's Adv. Learn. ii. (R.) What are the causes and remedies of the doubtfulness and uncertainty of law? 1709Brit. Apollo II. No. 77. 2/1 There is no Doubtfulness in the Case. 1885Law Times 28 Mar. 387/1 The other point was of greater doubtfulness.
b. Subjective uncertainty; undecidedness of mind; want of assured opinion; distrust.
1526Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 128 b, Dulnesse of spiryte, and doubtfulnesse in conscyence. 1663Pepys Diary 24 Sept., I rather hope it is my doubtfulness of myself. 1736Butler Anal. ii. i. Wks. 1874 I. 151 The doubtfulness of some of the greatest men, concerning things of the utmost importance. 1829Southey Newman vi, The purpose..was entertain'd With doubtfulness and fear.
†c. Apprehension. Obs.
1576Fleming Panopl. Epist. 49 That whiche did not only offer unto me occasion of doubtfulnesse, but troubled me also with much feare.
†2. The quality of giving ground for fear. Obs.
1576Fleming Panopl. Epist. 267 If the disease have in it much difficultie and doubtfulnesse. 1606G. W[oodcocke] tr. Hist. Ivstine 94 a, Troubled with the doubtfulnesse of the danger. |