Skip to main content

Why is there a "b" in doubt? - Gina Cooke

698,100 Views

10,520 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

Say the word "doubt" aloud. What is that "b" doing there? Does it have any purpose? Gina Cooke explains the long and winding history of "doubt" and why the spelling, though it seems random, is a wink to its storied past.

There are only two base words in the entire English language that have the letters d, o, u, and b. What are they?

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animator Andres Bernal
  • Artist Daniela Bernal
  • Director David Bernal
  • Educator Gina Cooke
  • Narrator Gina Cooke

More from Playing with Language