Misgiving: meaning, definitions and examples

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misgiving

[ˌmɪsˈɡɪvɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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. She had misgivings about signing the contract. Their initial misgivings turned out to be justified.
doubt	Use 'doubt' when someone is unsure about the truth or reliability of something, suggesting a lack of belief or trust. He had doubts about the authenticity of the painting. She expressed doubts regarding the success of the project.
skepticism	Use 'skepticism' when someone questions the validity or authenticity of something, often backed by a critical or questioning attitude. She approached the claims with a great deal of skepticism. His skepticism grew as he listened to the politician's promises.
apprehension	Use 'apprehension' when describing a fear or anxiety about a future event, especially when expecting something unpleasant. There was a sense of apprehension before the big exam. The apprehension in the room was palpable as the storm approached.
unease	Use 'unease' when describing a general feeling of discomfort or worry about a situation, without necessarily pinpointing a specific reason. There was a sense of unease in the community after the robbery. His uneasy feeling grew as he walked down the dark alley.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. She had misgivings about accepting the new job offer Despite his initial enthusiasm, he couldn't shake off his misgivings
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. She expressed deep regret over not visiting her parents more often He realized his regrets couldn't change the past
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. He showed genuine remorse for his harsh words The criminal's remorse was evident during the trial
guilt	This word is appropriate when someone feels responsible for a wrongdoing or a mistake they committed. It often carries a negative emotion. The child felt guilt after breaking the vase His voice was filled with guilt as he apologized
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. She sought repentance through prayer and good deeds His road to repentance was long and difficult

Examples of usage

She had misgivings about not attending her best friend's wedding.
He felt misgivings about not pursuing his passion for music.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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 ‘mis’ in many words implies a negative or opposite meaning, highlighting a sense of uncertainty.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "misgiving" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconfiança

apreensão
receio

🇮🇳 संदेह

🇩🇪 Zweifel

Bedenken
Misstrauen

🇮🇩 keraguan

🇺🇦 застереження

побоювання
сумнів

🇵🇱 wątpliwość

🇯🇵 不安

🇫🇷 doute

appréhension
méfiance

🇪🇸 duda

recelo
desconfianza

🇹🇷 şüphe

🇰🇷 의심

🇸🇦 شك

🇨🇿 pochybnost

🇸🇰 pochybenie

🇨🇳 疑虑

🇸🇮 dvom

🇮🇸 efi

🇰🇿 күдік

🇬🇪 ეჭვი

🇦🇿 şübhə

🇲🇽 duda

recelo
desconfianza

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
...