suspect
suh-SPEHKT
Suspect (verb) means to think that something is probably true, without having proof. Example: “I suspect she already knows the surprise.”
verb
1
To think that something is probably true, without having proof.
"I suspect she already knows the surprise."
"Police suspect the fire was started deliberately."
"I suspect the meeting will be cancelled because nobody has replied."
2
To believe someone is guilty of something, without firm evidence.
"Detectives suspected him from the very beginning."
"The shop owner suspected the stranger of taking the missing watch."
"Nobody suspected the quiet neighbour, though the evidence later pointed to him."
noun
1
A person thought to be responsible for a crime.
"The suspect was taken in for questioning."
"Police released a description of the suspect to local newspapers."
"Detectives questioned the main suspect for several hours before letting him go."
adj
1
Regarded with doubt or distrust; possibly not genuine or reliable.
"His alibi sounded suspect from the start."
"The meat smelled suspect, so we threw it away."
"I find any website that asks for my bank details highly suspect."
How to use suspect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo believe something is likely true (verb), a person thought to have committed a crime (noun), or doubtful/untrustworthy (adjective).
When to use it
Note the stress shift: the verb is stressed on the second syllable (suh-SPECT), the noun and adjective on the first (SUS-pect).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
prime suspect
suspect foul play
a suspect motive
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Word forms
- Plural
- suspects
- Third person singular
- suspects
- Past tense
- suspected
- Comparative
- more suspect
- Superlative
- most suspect
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
I _____ she already knows the surprise.
Etymology
From Old French suspect, from Latin suspectus, the past participle of suspicere, "to look up at, mistrust" — from sub- ("under") plus specere ("to look").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “suspect” mean?
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).
How do you pronounce “suspect”?
“Suspect” is pronounced suh-SPEHKT (/səˈspɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “suspect” in a sentence?
Here is “suspect” used in a sentence: “I suspect she already knows the surprise.”
What part of speech is “suspect”?
Depending on how it is used, “suspect” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “suspect” come from?
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").
Is “suspect” a common word?
“Suspect” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “suspect” have?
“Suspect” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to think that something is probably true, without having proof.
What is the difference between 'suspect' and 'expect'?
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.
What is the difference between suspect as a verb and as a noun?
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.
Does 'suspect' always mean something bad?
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.
What is an example of 'suspect' used as a verb?
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.
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