raise doubt

[/reɪz daʊt/]
verb phrase
suscitar dúvida
1. to cause someone to feel uncertain or to question something previously accepted as true
The witness's testimony raised doubt about the defendant's guilt.
O testemunho da testemunha suscitou dúvida sobre a culpa do réu.
2. to introduce or present reasons for questioning the validity or accuracy of something
New evidence has raised doubt regarding the original investigation.
Novas evidências suscitaram dúvida a respeito da investigação original.
3. to make someone less confident or certain about a particular belief or claim
His inconsistent statements raised doubt in my mind about his credibility.
Suas declarações inconsistentes suscitaram dúvida em minha mente sobre sua credibilidade.
In both Brazilian and American English contexts, 'raise doubt' is commonly used in legal, academic, and formal discussions. In Brazil, 'suscitar dúvida' is the preferred formal term, while 'levantar dúvida' is equally valid in everyday conversation. The phrase is integral to critical thinking discourse and legal arguments in both cultures.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cast doubtcreate doubtintroduce doubtput doubtquestionchallenge
Antonyms / Antônimos
confirmvalidatereassureconvinceverify

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
suscitar dúvida
most common and formal usage in Brazilian Portuguese
General Brazilian
levantar dúvida
alternative common form in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
botar dúvida
more colloquial regional variant
São Paulo
suscitar dúvida
formal and standard usage
Portugal
suscitar dúvida
formal standard; 'colocar em dúvida' also used

Related Words

skepticismuncertaintyquestionabledubioussuspicionhesitation

Related Idioms & Phrases

raise doubt in someone's mind
beyond a shadow of doubt
cast doubt upon
throw doubt on
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