WordGarden.iodoubtlessly
B2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /dˈaʊtləsli/
Meanings
Adverb
without doubt; certainly
Beyond the definition
"Doubtlessly" isn't about having doubt – it's the opposite! It means something is absolutely certain to happen or be true. Imagine a seasoned sailor predicting a storm based on the darkening sky and shifting winds. They might say, "A squall will hit us soon, doubtlessly." It implies a strong conviction, built on evidence or experience. You wouldn't use "doubtlessly" when guessing; you'd use it when stating something as fact. Think of it like saying "undoubtedly," but with a slightly more old-fashioned and emphatic flair.
The word "doubtlessly" is an adverb that means certainly, undoubtedly, or without question. It's used to express a strong degree of confidence in the truth or certainty of something. Unlike simply stating a fact, "doubtlessly" emphasizes that there's no room for doubt – it will happen, or it is true.
It carries a slightly formal and literary tone, often found in older texts or more deliberate writing styles. You might encounter it when describing inevitable consequences: "The new policy will, doubtlessly, face opposition." Or when highlighting a predictable outcome: "With hard work and dedication, she will, doubtlessly, succeed."
While similar to words like "certainly" or "undoubtedly," "doubtlessly" feels more emphatic. It's not just that something is likely; it's presented as an unshakeable truth. However, be mindful of overuse – too many adverbs can weigh down your writing! Use "doubtlessly" when you truly want to underscore the absolute certainty of a statement and add a touch of classic eloquence.
Think of a detective solving a case. After gathering all the evidence, they might declare, "The butler did it, doubtlessly!" It's not just a guess; it's a conclusion reached with unwavering confidence.
Examples
- 1
Customer reaction
The decision will doubtlessly upset some customers.
- 2
Team experience
She was doubtlessly the most experienced person on the team.
- 3
Cost comparison
There were doubtlessly cheaper options, but none were as reliable.
- 4
Sentence opening
Doubtlessly, the delay made the whole project harder.
- Grammar
At the start of a sentence, doubtlessly comments on the whole statement.
See also
Similar
- undoubtedly
- certainly
- without doubt
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- doubtlessly true
Word family
Explore
- certainty
- epistemic confidence
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- doubtlesslyadverb