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Suspecting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suspecting

[səˈspɛktɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

feeling suspicion

To suspect means to have a belief or impression that something is likely, possibly true, or that someone is involved in wrongdoing. It can also imply a sense of distrust or doubt about someone's intentions or honesty.

Synonyms

distrust, doubt, mistrust, question.

Examples of usage

  • She was suspecting him of lying.
  • The detective is suspecting foul play.
  • He is suspecting that the project will fail.
  • They are suspecting something is wrong.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling suspecting can be linked to anxiety. The brain may interpret ambiguous behaviors as threatening.
  • Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, can lead someone to suspect based on prior beliefs or experiences rather than facts.
  • High levels of suspecting can create stress and impact relationships due to mistrust.

Pop Culture

  • Mystery novels and films often revolve around characters suspecting others, creating suspense and intrigue for the audience.
  • In detective shows, the process of suspecting is essential to plot development, as detectives uncover clues to solve cases.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often face internal conflicts when suspecting others, highlighting themes of trust and betrayal.
  • The suspicion can drive the narrative in works by authors like Agatha Christie, where misdirection plays a key role.

Social Dynamics

  • In interpersonal relationships, suspecting can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts if not communicated openly.
  • Cultural differences influence what behaviors are considered suspicious, affecting interactions in diverse communities.

Origin of 'suspecting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'suspicere', which means 'to look up at', implying a sense of doubt or mistrust.
  • It entered the English language in the 14th century, evolving from meanings related to suspicion towards more precise notions of doubt.

The word 'suspect' originates from the Latin verb 'suspicere', which means 'to look up at' or 'to look at from below', combining 'sub-' meaning 'from below' and 'specere' meaning 'to look'. This Latin origin reflects the notion of looking at something with distrust or doubt. The term evolved into Middle French as 'suspecter', before adopting its modern form in English in the late 14th century. Over time, it has transitioned from a physical sense of looking at something suspiciously to a more abstract understanding of doubt regarding people's thoughts, actions, or motives. The usage of 'suspecting' as a continuous action highlights a persistent awareness or feeling of uncertainty that indicates a deeper psychological dimension to human interactions, often linked with themes of paranoia or insecurity.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,296, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.