THE FIRST WORD

dubious

PRONUNCIATION:

(DOO-bee-uhs, DYOO-) 

MEANING:

adjective:
1. Marked by doubt.
2. Of questionable character.

ETYMOLOGY:

From Latin dubius (wavering), from duo (two). Ultimately from the Indo-European root dwo- (two) that also gave us dual, double, doubt, diploma, twin, between,redoubtable, and didymous. Earliest documented use: 1548.

USAGE:

"A scandal over dubious transfers of millions of euros is creating turbulence for European defense giant EADS."
Investigation into Dubious EADS Austria Deal Intensifies; Der Spiegel (Hamburg, Germany); Nov 12, 2012.