suspicion
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /səˈspɪʃən/
KK: /səˈspɪʃən/
noun
Definition
A feeling or belief that something is wrong or that someone has done something bad, often without strong evidence.
Example
She had a suspicion that he was not telling the truth.
Conversation
I have a little suspicion about why she canceled our plans.
Really? What makes you think that?
Well, she seemed off the last time we talked.
Maybe it's nothing, but it's always good to trust your instincts.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
doubt
mistrust
skepticism
Antonyms
certainty
trust
confidence
transitive verb
Definition
To have a belief or feeling that something is wrong or that someone is guilty of something without having proof.
Example
She looked at him with suspicion after he arrived late.
Tense Forms
Past: suspected
Past Participle: suspected
Conversation
Did you see how he acted during the meeting?
Yeah, it definitely raised my suspicion about what he's up to.
I thought the same thing; something feels off.
Root Explanation
Suspicion is formed from "suspicere" (meaning to look up at or to mistrust) which is a combination of "sub-" (meaning under) and "specere" (meaning to look). The word refers to the act of looking under the surface or questioning the truth of something.
Memory Tip
Think of looking 'under' ('sub-') the surface of a situation to 'see' ('specere') if something is not right — that's why suspicion means doubting or mistrusting.
Visually Confused Words
unsuspicion
presuspicion