suspicion
/səˈspɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /səˈspɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /sə-ˈspi-shən/ (ame, mw)
suspicion — noun
- suspicionsingular
- suspicionsplural
1. A feeling that something is probably true or likely happening, while lacking def
A feeling that something is probably true or likely happening, while lacking definite proof that it is so — for example, a suspicion that a friend is planning a surprise, or that a decision will lead to problems.
Amihan had a growing suspicion that her coworkers were planning a surprise party for her.
suspicion + that-clause expressing belief
Jack brushed aside his suspicion that the project might fail and continued working.
There was a widespread suspicion among residents that the new highway would damage the forest.
The early test results confirmed Liam's suspicion that the medicine was working.
Elena could not shake the suspicion that she had met the stranger before, but she was not sure where.
文法句型
suspicion + that-clause
have a suspicion + that-clause
用法筆記
Frequently followed by a that-clause stating what you think might be true. Unlike sense 3 (LACK OF TRUST), this sense does not imply distrust of someone's character — only a belief about a situation or event.
常見錯誤
2. A belief or feeling that someone has done something illegal, dishonest, or moral
A belief or feeling that someone has done something illegal, dishonest, or morally wrong, often leading to an investigation or accusation — for example, being under suspicion of theft, or clearing someone of all suspicion.
The detective's suspicion fell on the night guard who had been seen leaving early that evening.
suspicion fell on [person] — fixed expression
Kenji was under suspicion of stealing cash from the office safe.
under suspicion of — prepositional phrase
After the real thief confessed, the committee cleared Anjali of all suspicion.
All suspicion pointed to the accountant when the missing money was traced to her account.
Eli fell under suspicion of burglary after his fingerprints were found at the scene.
文法句型
suspicion of + wrongdoing
under suspicion
用法筆記
Common in legal and workplace contexts. The phrase 'under suspicion' means someone is believed to be guilty. 'Above/beyond suspicion' means someone is so trusted that no one would suspect them. Distinguish from sense 1 (BELIEF WITHOUT PROOF), which is about events or situations rather than a person's guilt.
常見錯誤
3. A feeling that someone or something cannot be trusted or relied upon, so you tre
A feeling that someone or something cannot be trusted or relied upon, so you treat them with caution or doubt — for example, viewing a stranger's offer with suspicion, or feeling suspicion toward a new policy.
Tamar viewed the stranger's generous offer with deep suspicion and refused to share any personal details.
view with suspicion — verb + preposition pattern
Years of broken promises had created a climate of suspicion between the two business partners.
climate of suspicion — noun collocation
The employees met the new attendance policy with suspicion, worried it would reduce their flexibility.
Min looked at the old bicycle with suspicion, wondering if it would survive the ride home.
Nala treated the salesman's claims with suspicion, knowing that some products sound better than they perform.
- trust
confidence and reliance on someone's honesty
- confidence
a positive belief in someone's ability or character
文法句型
with suspicion
treat with suspicion
view with suspicion
用法筆記
Often appears in the phrases 'with suspicion' and 'treat/view/regard with suspicion'. Unlike sense 1 (BELIEF WITHOUT PROOF), this sense is about distrusting someone's character or motives rather than believing a fact. Unlike sense 2 (CRIME OR GUILT), it does not involve a specific accusation but a general wariness.
常見錯誤
4. A tiny quantity of some substance or quality, barely noticeable — used especiall
A tiny quantity of some substance or quality, barely noticeable — used especially for tastes, smells, colours, or visible signs; for example, a suspicion of garlic in a sauce, or a suspicion of a smile on someone's face.
The sauce had a faint suspicion of garlic that gave the dish a gentle warmth.
a suspicion of [flavour] — pattern
Sari added a suspicion of blue to the white paint, creating a soft sky colour.
There was a suspicion of a smile on the teacher's face as she read the amusing story.
Camille detected a suspicion of lemon in the creamy dessert.
The old envelope carried a suspicion of lavender, bringing back memories of her grandmother.
- lot
a large amount, the opposite of a tiny trace
文法句型
a suspicion of + noun
用法筆記
This sense is limited to the fixed pattern 'a suspicion of + noun' and is more common in formal or literary writing. It cannot be used with numbers ('two suspicions of salt') or with large quantities. Do not confuse with the main meanings of suspicion (belief/mistrust); the quantity sense is unrelated.
常見錯誤
suspicion — verb
- suspicionpresent simple I / you / we / they
- suspicions3rd person singular
- suspicioning-ing form
- suspicionedpast simple
1. To suspect — an informal, nonstandard use of the noun 'suspicion' as a verb, mai
To suspect — an informal, nonstandard use of the noun 'suspicion' as a verb, mainly found in regional or dialectal American English. It is not accepted in formal writing.
"I suspicion that he has been sneaking cookies before dinner," the grandmother said with a wink.
nonstandard transitive verb; replaced by 'suspect' in standard English
A few older residents suspicioned the developer of hiding the true cost of the new buildings.
The old fisherman suspicioned every stranger who came near his boat.
"I suspicion you have been reading my mail," the landlord said with a frown.
- suspect
the standard verb; use this instead of 'suspicion' in all formal and most informal contexts
文法句型
suspicion + that-clause
suspicion + object + of + noun
用法筆記
This verb form is widely considered nonstandard. In standard English, always use 'suspect' instead. You may encounter it in novels that use dialect, but do not use it in your own writing or speaking.