Indubitably vs undoubtedly

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Grammarist

Indubitably and undoubtedly are two words that are sometimes found confusing. We will examine the definitions of indubitably and undoubtedly, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.

Indubitably means beyond a doubt, without question, plainly true. The word indubitably first appeared in the mid-1400s, it is derived from the Latin word indubitabilis which means that which is not doubtable.

Undoubtedly also means beyond a doubt, without question, plainly true. The word undoubtedly also first appeared in the mid-1400s, it is derived from the Old French word douter meaning to be afraid or doubtful and the prefix un- which means not. Indubitably and undoubtedly are synonyms, which are two words that mean the same thing. The word undoubtedly is used much more often than the word indubitably, as the word indubitably carries the connotation of a more formal word.

Examples

It pulls from sites that are seen as gross (say, a toilet handle in Chinatown) and translates that grossness into something that is a little more appealing, a little more sweet, but that still, indubitably, retains something of its origins. (The Atlantic)

That’s the current thinking, too, on much of today’s obstreperous American left; and add to that our continuing decadence, and the possibility that always exists of a true economic collapse, one perhaps enhanced by terrorism, and who cares how silver-tongued Schumer and the rest sound: they’re indubitably engaged in a dangerous game, one imperiling all our futures. (The Niagara Gazette)

But while Zurbuchen and others at NASA are undoubtedly enthusiastic about the prospect of finding aliens, they have never claimed evidence to have actually done so already. (Newsweek Magazine)

While the use of a racket with a slightly bigger head size has undoubtedly helped add consistency, Federer says practice and confidence have also been key. (Reuters)