Dubious:
* Meaning: Implies a stronger sense of suspicion or disbelief. It suggests that something is likely to be false, misleading, or of questionable quality.
* Usage: Often used when there is evidence or reason to doubt something.
* Example: "The politician's promises were dubious, as his previous track record was riddled with broken promises."
Doubtful:
* Meaning: Indicates a weaker sense of uncertainty or hesitation. It suggests that something is not certain or likely, but not necessarily wrong.
* Usage: Used when there is less evidence or reason to doubt something. Can also be used to express hesitation or uncertainty about something.
* Example: "The weather forecast was doubtful, but we decided to go on the picnic anyway."
Here's a table summarizing the key differences:
| Feature | Dubious | Doubtful |
|---|---|---|
| Strength of skepticism | Strong | Weak |
| Implication | Likely false, misleading, or questionable | Not certain or likely |
| Evidence | More evidence or reason to doubt | Less evidence or reason to doubt |
| Usage | When there is strong suspicion | When there is uncertainty or hesitation |
In simpler terms:
* Dubious means "I don't believe it, and I have good reason to doubt it."
* Doubtful means "I'm not sure about it, but it could be true."
Ultimately, the choice between "dubious" and "doubtful" depends on the specific context and the degree of uncertainty you want to convey.