Suspected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suspected

[səˈspɛktɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

crime

To believe or have an idea that someone is guilty of a crime or of doing something wrong, even though there is no proof.

Synonyms

believe, doubt, think.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suspected

Use in situations where there is uncertainty or mistrust about someone's actions or intentions, often in the context of crime or wrongdoing.

  • The police suspected him of stealing the car
  • She was suspected of cheating on the exam
believe

Apply when expressing confidence or faith in something or someone, often based on trust, evidence, or conviction.

  • I believe in you
  • They believe the project will be successful
think

Use when expressing personal opinions, reflections, or ideas, usually with a neutral or informal tone.

  • I think it's going to rain tomorrow
  • She thinks he is very talented
doubt

Relevant when expressing uncertainty or lack of confidence in someone or something, often in a context where trust is questioned.

  • I doubt she will come to the party
  • He doubted the accuracy of the report

Examples of usage

  • I suspected him of stealing my wallet.
  • She is suspected of being involved in the robbery.
  • The police suspected foul play.
Context #2 | Adjective

medical

Thought to be possibly suffering from a particular illness or condition, although it has not been confirmed.

Synonyms

alleged, presumed, supposed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suspected

Used when discussing someone thought to be involved in wrongdoing based on some evidence, but without conclusive proof.

  • The suspected thief was arrested by the police.
  • She is suspected of cheating on the test.
alleged

Often used in legal or formal contexts to refer to an assertion that has been made without definitive proof, can have a neutral or negative connotation.

  • The alleged accomplice has denied all charges.
  • He was named as the alleged perpetrator in the report.
presumed

Implied when something is accepted as true based on probabilities or prior experience, used both legally and informally.

  • The crew members are presumed dead after the shipwreck.
  • His actions are presumed to be in the company's best interest.
supposed

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate something that is assumed or believed without solid evidence, often in hypothetical or informal situations.

  • You're supposed to finish your homework before playing games.
  • The supposed meeting was actually a surprise party.

Examples of usage

  • He is a suspected carrier of the virus.
  • The patient is being treated as a suspected case of tuberculosis.

Translations

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

Origin of 'suspected'

The word 'suspected' originated from the Latin word 'suspectus', which means 'regarded with suspicion'. The term has been used in the English language since the late 15th century. Over the years, 'suspected' has been commonly used in legal and medical contexts to indicate a belief or assumption without concrete evidence.


See also: suspect, suspectly, suspicion, unsuspected, unsuspecting.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,067, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.