suspicion
word
/səˈspɪʃən/
suh-SPI-shuhn
/səspˈɪʃən/
suh-SPI-shuhn
Definition
A feeling that something may be wrong, true, or happening, even though you do not have clear proof. It can also mean a feeling of distrust toward someone.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'have a suspicion', 'under suspicion', and 'arouse suspicion'. 'Suspicion' is weaker than proof and often appears in police, legal, and everyday contexts. It can refer to a specific guess ('I have a suspicion...') or general distrust ('look at someone with suspicion').
Spanish: sospecha - receloPortuguese (BR): suspeita - desconfiançaPortuguese (PT): suspeita - desconfiançaChinese (Simplified): 怀疑 - 疑心Chinese (Traditional): 懷疑 - 疑心Hindi: संदेह - शकArabic: اشتباه - شكّBengali: সন্দেহRussian: подозрениеJapanese: 疑い - 疑念Vietnamese: nghi ngờKorean: 의심Turkish: şüpheUrdu: شبہIndonesian: kecurigaan
Example Sentences
I had a suspicion that he was lying.
basic
The broken window caused suspicion.
basic
She looked at him with suspicion.
basic
I’ve had a suspicion for weeks that something’s off.
natural
His sudden kindness only increased my suspicion.
natural
The police are acting on suspicion, not solid evidence.
natural