WordGarden.iosuspicion
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /səspˈɪʃən/
US
- /səˈspɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a feeling that something may be wrong or that someone cannot be trusted
the state of being suspected of a crime or wrongdoing
a slight trace or small amount of something
Beyond the definition
It is not just about believing that something bad has happened; it is the uneasy feeling that something might be true. It often appears as a nagging doubt that someone is hiding something or that trouble is coming. Think of a detective in a noir film, quietly watching everyone in the room. Or imagine your dog staring at a closed kitchen cabinet because it feels sure treats are hidden inside. The feeling usually comes before proof, but it can still be strong and hard to ignore. You might feel this way when a valuable item goes missing, even before you have any clear evidence.
Suspicion is a feeling of distrust or doubt about someone or something, often without concrete proof. It's more than just simple disbelief; it carries an element of unease and the expectation that a negative reality is hidden beneath the surface. Think of it as a little voice in your head whispering, "Something isn't right here."
Suspicion can range from mild wariness to deep-seated distrust. You might suspect a friend is keeping a secret, or you might have a strong suspicion about the motives of a new business partner. It's often fueled by ambiguous behavior, inconsistencies in a story, or simply a gut feeling. Interestingly, the word also has a more subtle meaning: a very slight trace or tiny amount of something, such as "a suspicion of a smile" or "a suspicion of garlic in the sauce."
The word is mainly used as a noun ("Her suspicion grew with each unanswered question"), but it is closely related to the verb suspect ("I suspect he's lying"). It appears often in mysteries and thrillers, where characters question other people's motives and actions. In literature, Shakespeare uses this idea to great effect; for instance, in Hamlet, Polonius's observations suggest that there is a hidden logic, or "method," behind Hamlet's strange behavior.
However, it is important to remember that suspicion without evidence can be damaging. Jumping to conclusions based solely on a hunch can lead to misunderstandings and broken trust. While it is natural to feel suspicious sometimes, it is crucial to balance those instincts with reason and open-mindedness.
Examples
- 1
Digital caution
She looked at the email with suspicion and decided not to open it.
- 2
Unexpected interest
His sudden interest in my plans aroused my suspicions.
- Phrasearouse suspicions
make someone start to feel suspicious
- 3
Workplace leak
There was growing suspicion that someone in the office had leaked the news.
- 4
Crime context
The police arrested him on suspicion of theft.
- Patternon suspicion of + crime
because police think someone may have done it
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Evidence
The broken lock confirmed our suspicions.
- Patternconfirm someone's suspicions
show that what they suspected was true
- 6
Possible guilt
For weeks, the former manager remained under suspicion, even though nobody could prove anything.
- Phraseunder suspicion
still being considered a possible guilty person
- 7
Keeping secrets
She kept the party secret so she wouldn't raise suspicion before his birthday.
- Phraseraise suspicion
make other people start to suspect something
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- arouse suspicion
- raise suspicion
- under suspicion
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- suspicionnoun
Forms
- suspicionspluralnoun