Misgiving Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
misgiving
[หmษชsหษกษชvษชล ]
Definitions
feeling
A feeling of doubt, hesitation, or concern about a situation or the consequences of an action.
Synonyms
apprehension, doubt, skepticism, unease.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
misgiving |
Use 'misgiving' when someone feels unsure about a plan or situation, suggesting anxiety about potential negative outcomes.
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doubt |
Use 'doubt' when someone is unsure about the truth or reliability of something, suggesting a lack of belief or trust.
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skepticism |
Use 'skepticism' when someone questions the validity or authenticity of something, often backed by a critical or questioning attitude.
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apprehension |
Use 'apprehension' when describing a fear or anxiety about a future event, especially when expecting something unpleasant.
|
unease |
Use 'unease' when describing a general feeling of discomfort or worry about a situation, without necessarily pinpointing a specific reason.
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Examples of usage
- I had some misgivings about accepting the job offer without knowing more about the company.
- She couldn't shake off her misgivings about the project's feasibility.
regret
A feeling of regret or remorse about something that has happened.
Synonyms
guilt, regret, remorse, repentance.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
misgiving |
This term is best used when describing feelings of doubt or concern about a future action or decision.
|
regret |
This term is used to describe a feeling of sadness or disappointment about something that happened in the past. It often reflects a wish that things had been different.
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remorse |
This word is suitable when someone has a deep feeling of regret and sorrow for a serious mistake or a harmful action. It involves a strong sense of moral guilt.
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guilt |
This word is appropriate when someone feels responsible for a wrongdoing or a mistake they committed. It often carries a negative emotion.
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repentance |
Use this term in religious or moral contexts when someone feels sorry for their sins or misdeeds and expresses a strong desire to make amends.
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Examples of usage
- She had misgivings about not attending her best friend's wedding.
- He felt misgivings about not pursuing his passion for music.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many classic literary characters, such as Hamlet, often experience misgivings about their decisions, reflecting their internal conflicts.
- Shakespeare frequently used the concept to explore themes of doubt and moral ambiguity in his plays.
- Writers like Jane Austen depicted misgivings in social situations, illustrating the tension between societal expectations and personal feelings.
Psychology
- Misgivings can be linked to anxiety, where individuals feel uncertain about future events due to their past experiences.
- Cognitive biases, such as overthinking or negativity bias, often amplify feelings of misgiving in decision-making.
- Psychologists suggest that acknowledging misgivings can be healthy, as it encourages reflection and better choices.
Pop Culture
- Misgivings often play a crucial role in plot twists in movies, where a character's doubt leads to unexpected outcomes.
- In music, themes of misgiving can be found in songs about heartbreak or life's uncertainties, resonating with many listeners.
- Television narratives frequently explore the tension created by characters' misgivings, particularly in drama series or thrillers.
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss the idea of misgiving in the context of moral dilemmas, questioning one's conscience and choices.
- The notion of doubt is pivotal in existential philosophy, where individuals confront the meaning of their choices amidst uncertainty.
- Epistemology, the study of knowledge, examines how misgivings affect our beliefs and the pursuit of certainty.
Origin of 'misgiving'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English, combining 'mis-' (meaning wrong or bad) with 'giving' related to granting or sharing.
- It originally referred to the act of putting away something or to withhold, linking to a sense of reluctance.
- The use of โmisโ in many words implies a negative or opposite meaning, highlighting a sense of uncertainty.
The word 'misgiving' originated in the 17th century from the combination of 'mis-' (meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly') and 'giving', suggesting a sense of giving something in a wrong or negative manner. Over time, the word evolved to represent feelings of doubt, hesitation, or regret.
See also: forgive, gave, give, giveaway, given, giver, giving.
Word Frequency Rank
At rank #25,080, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.
- ...
- 25077 empiricist
- 25078 rescheduling
- 25079 sprinted
- 25080 misgiving
- 25081 unpack
- 25082 boastful
- 25083 biofilm
- ...