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Qualm Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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qualm

[kwäm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

A feeling of uneasiness or doubt, often about one's own actions or a moral issue.

Synonyms

hesitation, misgiving, scruple.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
qualm

If you have an uneasy feeling of doubt or fear, often about a moral issue or decision, this word is fitting. It usually suggests a sudden concern or uncertainty.

  • He had qualms about lying to his friend.
  • She felt a qualm of guilt after taking the money.
misgiving

Use this word when there's a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome of something. It often refers to worries about potential problems or dangers.

  • They expressed misgivings about the plan's feasibility.
  • Despite her misgivings, she agreed to go on the trip.
scruple

This word applies when referring to a moral or ethical consideration that restrains someone from doing something. It often indicates a higher level of moral integrity.

  • He had no scruples against cheating if it meant winning.
  • Her scruples prevented her from accepting the generous bribe.
hesitation

This is best used when someone is pausing or delaying before they do something because they are unsure or cautious. It's a general term and doesn't necessarily imply moral concerns.

  • She answered without the slightest hesitation.
  • His hesitation was obvious when he was asked to join the project.

Examples of usage

  • I had a qualm about lying to my friend.
  • She felt a qualm of guilt after cheating on the test.
Context #2 | Noun

medical

A sudden feeling of sickness or faintness.

Synonyms

dizziness, faintness, nausea.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
qualm

Qualm is often used to describe a feeling of uneasiness or doubt, especially regarding one's own conduct or decisions.

  • She had no qualms about lying to get the job.
  • Despite his qualms, he decided to go ahead with the plan.
dizziness

Dizziness refers to the sensation of losing balance or the feeling that everything around you is spinning. It's commonly associated with medical conditions or sudden movement.

  • He felt a wave of dizziness after standing up quickly.
  • The roller coaster made her experience severe dizziness.
faintness

Faintness usually describes a feeling of being lightheaded or close to losing consciousness. It can happen due to hunger, heat, or other physical conditions.

  • She was overcome with faintness after not eating all day.
  • The intense heat caused a moment of faintness.
nausea

Nausea is the feeling of being sick to one's stomach, often a precursor to vomiting. It's common in a variety of situations, including illness, pregnancy, or motion sickness.

  • The boat ride caused severe nausea.
  • She felt a wave of nausea after eating the spoiled food.

Examples of usage

  • She experienced a sudden qualm and had to sit down.
Context #3 | Verb

archaic

To feel or show doubt or hesitation.

Synonyms

doubt, hesitate, waver.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
qualm

Use this when someone feels uneasy or has an uncomfortable feeling about something, often related to their conscience or morality.

  • He had a qualm about lying to his friend.
  • She felt a qualm of guilt after breaking the promise.
hesitate

This is used when someone pauses before doing something, often due to uncertainty or fear.

  • He hesitated before answering the difficult question.
  • Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
doubt

This is appropriate when someone is uncertain about something or lacks confidence in its truth or reliability.

  • I have my doubts about the success of this project.
  • She doubted his story because it didn’t add up.
waver

This is fitting when someone is unable to make a decision, often going back and forth between choices.

  • She wavered between accepting the job offer and staying at her current job.
  • His confidence wavered after several failures.

Examples of usage

  • He qualmed at the idea of betraying his friend.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing qualms often indicates an internal conflict, where a person's values or beliefs clash with their actions.
  • People may feel qualms after making a decision that contradicts their morals, which can lead to cognitive dissonance – a state of mental discomfort.
  • Research shows that strong qualms can lead to behaviors aimed at justifying or changing one’s decisions to align better with personal ethics.

Literature

  • Many literary characters express qualms when faced with moral dilemmas, such as Macbeth’s hesitation before committing murder in the famous Shakespeare play.
  • Famous novels often depict protagonists with qualms about their relationships, indicating their deeper internal struggles and growth.
  • Qualms are frequently used in storytelling to create tension, as characters grapple with fear and uncertainty in their choices.

Pop Culture

  • In films and novels, moments of a character experiencing qualms often precede critical decisions, adding drama and depth to the narrative.
  • TV shows like 'Breaking Bad' highlight qualms to portray the transformation of characters faced with morally ambiguous choices.
  • Popular music often explores themes of regret and doubt, evoking a sense of qualm in listeners, resonating with personal experiences.

Origin of 'qualm'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English term 'cwealma' meaning 'pain' or 'sickness', showing its historical ties to discomfort.
  • In the 17th century, 'qualm' began to be used to describe a feeling of uneasiness or hesitation, evolving from its earlier meaning related to physical distress.
  • Its cousin word 'qualmy' was used in earlier English literature to describe someone feeling sick or faint, highlighting the emotional connection.

The word 'qualm' originated in Middle English from the Old English word 'cwealm', meaning 'death' or 'destruction'. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent feelings of uneasiness or sickness. The modern usage of 'qualm' reflects a sense of moral discomfort or physical discomfort. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to convey a sense of internal conflict or sudden illness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,245 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.