incertitude
(ɪnˈsɜːtɪtjuːd)
[a. F. incertitude (14th c. in Hatz.-Darm.), ad. L. type *incertitūdo, f. in- (in-3) + certitūdo certitude.]
1. Subjective uncertainty; the state or condition of not being certain or sure of something; absence of assurance or confidence; doubt, hesitation.
| 1601 Holland Pliny xviii. xxv. 586 The cause of this incertitude and difficultie [as to the beginning of Spring], is partly the convexitie of the cope of heaven, and partly the diverse climates observed in the globe of the earth. a 1631 Donne in Select. (1840) 207 The fearful man..falls into labyrinths, of incertitudes, and impertinencies, and..anxieties, and irresolutions. 1677 Gale Crt. Gentiles iii. 158 For Scepticisme and incertitude is the punishment of such temeritie. 1756 Burke Vind. Nat. Soc. Wks. I. 63 Thus we were brought back to our old incertitude. 1833 Alison Europe v. §63 (1849) I. 621 The king was distracted by the most cruel incertitude. |
2. Objective uncertainty; uncertain or insecure condition; insecurity.
| 1603 Holland Plutarch's Mor. 875 The incertitude and instabilitie of this life. 1692 Locke Toleration i. Wks. 1727 II. 241 Let us grant..that in this Incertitude of Things, the safest..Way..is to follow his Dictates. 1802 Corry Mem. A. Berkeley 152 The incertitude of his reconciliation with Miss Vernon. |
3. Indistinctness of visible forms; obscurity.
| 1883 Century Mag. XXVI. 821 Visit it..towards the close of day, when the gray incertitude lies on the mighty city. |