suspect

The word “suspect” means to think that something is probably true, without having proof. In plain terms, to believe something is likely true (verb), a person thought to have committed a crime (noun), or doubtful/untrustworthy (adjective).

“Suspect” is pronounced suh-SPEHKT (/səˈspɛkt/ in IPA).

Here is “suspect” used in a sentence: “I suspect she already knows the surprise.”

Depending on how it is used, “suspect” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.

The word “suspect” comes from Latin. From Old French suspect, from Latin suspectus, the past participle of suspicere, "to look up at, mistrust" — from sub- ("under") plus specere ("to look").

“Suspect” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Suspect” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to think that something is probably true, without having proof.

To suspect something is to think it is probably true without proof, often about something negative — 'I suspect he forgot.' To expect something is to anticipate it happening, usually with more confidence — 'I expect he'll arrive soon.' Suspicion leans on doubt; expectation leans on likelihood.

As a verb, 'to suspect' means to believe something is probably true, and it is stressed on the second syllable: su-SPECT. As a noun, 'a suspect' is a person thought to be guilty of a crime, stressed on the first syllable: SUS-pect. Same spelling, different sound and role.

Not always, but it usually leans negative. We most often suspect problems, wrongdoing, or unwelcome facts — 'I suspect a leak.' You can suspect something neutral or even good, as in 'I suspect you're right,' but the word still carries a hint of doubt or wariness.

You might say 'I suspect it will rain later,' meaning you think it likely without being certain, or 'police suspect foul play,' meaning they believe it probable but lack proof. In each case 'suspect' expresses a reasoned hunch rather than a confirmed fact.