Words related to "Doubt and Certainty" | Essential Vocabulary for the GRE

certitude

noun

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the feeling of complete certainty

Example

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She spoke with certitude about the accuracy of her research findings.

The scientist expressed certitude in the success of the new experiment.

conviction

noun

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a belief or opinion that is very strong

robust

Adjective

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remaining strong and effective even when facing challenges or difficulties

tentative

Adjective

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not firmly established or decided, with the possibility of changes in the future

decidedly

Adverb

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in a way that is certain and beyond any doubt

supposedly

Adverb

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oʊ

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used to suggest that something is assumed to be true, often with a hint of doubt

Grammatical Information:

adverb of manner

presumably

Adverb

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used to say that the something is believed to be true based on available information or evidence

Grammatical Information:

adverb of manner

inconclusive

Adjective

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not producing a clear result or decision

conclusive

notional

Adjective

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oʊ

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ə

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l

being solely based on imagination or theory rather that reality

educated guess

noun

/ˈɛdʒuːkˌeɪɾᵻd ɡˈɛs/

a guess that is made according to one's experience or knowledge thus is more likely to be true

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

conjecture

noun

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ɛ

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an idea that is based on guesswork and not facts

to guesstimate

Verb

g

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ɛ

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ɪ

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eɪ

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to estimate something by calculating and guessing

Grammatical Information:

transitive

to check over

Verb

/tʃˈɛk ˈoʊvɚ/

to inspect something closely to ensure accuracy, quality, or its overall condition

Grammatical Information:

Phrasal Status

separable

phrase's verb

check

phrase's particle

over

to swear by

Verb

/swˈɛɹ bˈaɪ/

to be certain that something is good or useful

Grammatical Information:

transitive

Phrasal Status

inseparable

phrase's verb

swear

phrase's particle

by

speculative

Adjective

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ɛ

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l

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according to opinions or guesses instead of facts or evidence

to second-guess

Verb

/sˈɛkəndɡˈɛs/

to predict or anticipate an event or someone's reaction

reputedly

Adverb

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ɪ

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u

ju

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used to say that something is true according to what people say, although it is uncertain

Grammatical Information:

interrogative adverb

halting

Adjective

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n

g

acting or talking with hesitation due to uncertainty or lack of confidence

probabilistic

Adjective

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ə

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based on the likelihood of an event or outcome occurring

concrete

Adjective

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n

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according to facts instead of opinions

the dust settle

phrase

/ðə dˈʌst sˈɛɾəl/

Idiom

to allow or wait for a situation to become calmer or more stable after a significant change or serious dispute

What is the origin of the idiom "let the dust settle" and when to use it?

The origin of the phrase "let the dust settle" can be traced back to literal dust settling after a disturbance or commotion, such as a battle or a construction activity. When dust is stirred up, it takes some time for the particles to settle back down and for visibility to improve. This literal concept of waiting for the dust to settle eventually evolved into a metaphorical expression. It is employed to suggest the importance of allowing a period of time for emotions to calm down, tensions to ease, or chaos to subside before making decisions or taking further action.

paradoxical

Adjective

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ɛ

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ə

d

o

ɑ

x

ks

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ə

l

appearing contradictory or conflicting but potentially true

foregone conclusion

noun

/foːɹɡˈɑːn kənklˈuːʒən/

Idiom

something that is assumed to be true or already decided upon before any evidence or arguments are presented

uncertainty

What is the origin of the idiom "foregone conclusion" and when to use it?

The idiom "foregone conclusion" dates back to the early 17th century and is used to describe an outcome or result that is so predictable and certain that it can be considered established before the relevant events or circumstances have even unfolded.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

to cross-check

Verb

/kɹˈɔstʃˈɛk/

to check the accuracy or validity of something by using alternative sources or methods

categorical

Adjective

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k

a

æ

t

e

ə

g

o

ɑ

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without a doubt

cinch

noun

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ʧ

something that will surely happen

beyond doubt

phrase

/bɪjˌɑːnd dˈaʊt/

in a way that is absolutely certain and cannot be questioned

if in doubt

phrase

/ɪf ɪn dˈaʊt/

‌used to offer advice or instructions to someone who is incapable of making decisions

long shot

noun

/lˈɑːŋ ʃˈɑːt/

Idiom

Informal

an attempt made without having any high hopes of achieving success

What is the origin of the idiom "long shot" and when to use it?

The idiom "long shot" originated from the world of sports, particularly horse racing. In horse racing, a "long shot" refers to a horse with low odds of winning, often considered an unlikely or speculative bet. Over time, this term extended to various contexts and is now used figuratively to describe something that has a low probability of success or is unlikely to happen.

Grammatical Information:

compound noun

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