Doubt vs. Suspicion — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
Doubt refers to uncertainty or lack of conviction; Suspicion involves a mistrust or wariness of something or someone.
Difference Between Doubt and Suspicion
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Key Differences
Doubt primarily touches on the realm of uncertainty, highlighting a lack of surety or conviction in one's beliefs or understanding. Suspicion, on the other hand, comes into play when there's an inherent mistrust or a feeling of wariness, often leaning toward believing that something might be amiss or hidden. Both terms touch upon the lack of full confidence, but the angles are distinct: while Doubt can be more internal and questioning in nature, Suspicion usually implies an external focus, targeting another entity or situation.
Doubt is a mental state where one questions the truth or reliability of a matter. It does not always carry negative connotations. For instance, a scientist might have doubts about a particular hypothesis, which pushes him to investigate further. Suspicion, conversely, leans more on the side of distrust or a feeling that something is not right. It’s an inkling or intuition that something hidden or deceptive might be going on. Suspicion can often be seen in criminal investigations, where there's a sense that someone might be guilty.
Doubt and Suspicion both arise from human instincts to question and understand the world around us. Doubt serves as a tool for deeper exploration and self-reflection, pushing individuals to seek clarity. Suspicion serves as a defensive mechanism, urging caution when there's a potential threat or deceit. While both can be protective in nature, Doubt often arises from a thirst for knowledge, whereas Suspicion arises from a desire to protect oneself or others.
Doubt can be experienced in almost any situation where there's uncertainty, from doubting one's own capabilities to questioning the authenticity of a piece of information. Suspicion, in contrast, is more specific in its application, usually pointing towards a perceived hidden agenda or deception. Both play crucial roles in human decision-making. While Doubt may lead one to gather more information or take a cautious step back, Suspicion may lead one to investigate, verify, or even confront.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Uncertainty or lack of conviction
Mistrust or wariness of something or someone
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Connotation
Neutral, can be positive or negative
Typically negative
Focus
Internal, questions one's own beliefs or knowledge
External, targets another entity or situation
Purpose
To seek clarity and understanding
To be wary of potential deceit or danger
Examples
Doubting a hypothesis, self-doubt
Suspecting someone of lying, suspicion of foul play
Compare with Definitions
Doubt
Uncertainty about the truth or reality.
I have doubt about the validity of that claim.
Suspicion
A feeling that something is not right or is hidden.
She had a suspicion he wasn't telling the whole truth.
Doubt
Lack of confidence in oneself or abilities.
She expressed doubt in her ability to finish the race.
Suspicion
Mistrust of someone's intentions or actions.
His behavior raised suspicion among his colleagues.
Doubt
An undecided state of mind.
I'm in doubt about attending the event.
Suspicion
The act of suspecting wrongdoing.
Suspicion fell upon the butler after the mysterious incident.
Doubt
Doubt is a mental state in which the mind remains suspended between two or more contradictory propositions, unable to be certain of any of them. Doubt on an emotional level is indecision between belief and disbelief.
Suspicion
A feeling or thought that something is possible, likely, or true
She had a sneaking suspicion that he was laughing at her
Doubt
A feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction
Some doubt has been cast upon the authenticity of this account
They had doubts that they would ever win
Suspicion
Cautious distrust
Her activities were regarded with suspicion by the headmistress
Doubt
Feel uncertain about
I doubt my ability to do the job
I doubt if anyone slept that night
Suspicion
A very slight trace
A suspicion of a smile
Doubt
Fear; be afraid
I doubt not any ones contradicting this Journal
Suspicion
The act or an instance of suspecting something on little or no evidence
His evasiveness aroused my suspicions.
Doubt
To be undecided or skeptical about
Began to doubt some accepted doctrines.
Suspicion
The condition of being suspected, especially of wrongdoing
Held under suspicion of murder.
Doubt
To tend to disbelieve; distrust
Doubts politicians when they make sweeping statements.
Suspicion
The state or feeling of having no confidence or certainty about something; distrust
Looked with suspicion on the claims in the brochure.
Doubt
To regard as unlikely
I doubt that we'll arrive on time.
Suspicion
A minute amount or slight indication; a trace
A suspicion of contempt in his voice.
Doubt
(Archaic) To suspect; fear.
Suspicion
To suspect.
Doubt
To be undecided or skeptical.
Suspicion
The act of suspecting something or someone, especially of something wrong.
Doubt
The state of being uncertain about the truth or reliability of something.
Suspicion
The condition of being suspected.
Doubt
Often doubts A feeling of uncertainty or distrust
Had doubts about his ability.
Suspicion
Uncertainty, doubt.
Doubt
A point about which one is uncertain or skeptical
Reassured me by answering my doubts.
Suspicion
A trace, or slight indication.
A suspicion of a smile
Doubt
The condition of being unsettled or unresolved
An outcome still in doubt.
Suspicion
The imagining of something without evidence.
Doubt
(ambitransitive) To be undecided about; to lack confidence in; to disbelieve, to question.
He doubted that was really what you meant.
I had no wish to go, though I doubt if they would have noticed me even if I had.
Suspicion
To suspect; to have suspicions.
Doubt
To harbour suspicion about; suspect.
Suspicion
The act of suspecting; the imagination or apprehension of the existence of something (esp. something wrong or hurtful) without proof, or upon very slight evidence, or upon no evidence.
Suspicions among thoughts are like bats among birds, they ever fly by twilight.
Doubt
To anticipate with dread or fear; to apprehend.
Suspicion
Slight degree; suggestion; hint.
The features are mild but expressive, with just a suspicion . . . of saturnine or sarcastic humor.
Doubt
To fill with fear; to affright.
Suspicion
To view with suspicion; to suspect; to doubt.
Doubt
To dread, to fear.
Suspicion
An impression that something might be the case;
He had an intuition that something had gone wrong
Doubt
Disbelief or uncertainty (about something); (countable) a particular instance of such disbelief or uncertainty.
There was some doubt as to who the child's real father was.
I have doubts about how to convert this code to JavaScript.
Suspicion
Doubt about someone's honesty
Doubt
A point of uncertainty; a query.
Suspicion
The state of being suspected;
He tried to shield me from suspicion
Doubt
To waver in opinion or judgment; to be in uncertainty as to belief respecting anything; to hesitate in belief; to be undecided as to the truth of the negative or the affirmative proposition; to b e undetermined.
Even in matters divine, concerning some things, we may lawfully doubt, and suspend our judgment.
To try your love and make you doubt of mine.
Suspicion
Being of a suspicious nature;
His suspiciousness destroyed his marriage
Doubt
To suspect; to fear; to be apprehensive.
Suspicion
A hint or inkling.
There's a suspicion that the company might be sold soon.
Doubt
To question or hold questionable; to withhold assent to; to hesitate to believe, or to be inclined not to believe; to withhold confidence from; to distrust; as, I have heard the story, but I doubt the truth of it.
To admire superior sense, and doubt their own!
I doubt not that however changed, you keepSo much of what is graceful.
We doubt not nowBut every rub is smoothed on our way.
Suspicion
A slight belief or vague idea about something.
I have a suspicion that this will work out well.
Doubt
To suspect; to fear; to be apprehensive of.
Edmond [was a] good man and doubted God.
I doubt some foul play.
That I of doubted danger had no fear.
Doubt
To fill with fear; to affright.
The virtues of the valiant CaratachMore doubt me than all Britain.
Doubt
A fluctuation of mind arising from defect of knowledge or evidence; uncertainty of judgment or mind; unsettled state of opinion concerning the reality of an event, or the truth of an assertion, etc.; hesitation.
Doubt is the beginning and the end of our efforts to know.
Doubt, in order to be operative in requiring an acquittal, is not the want of perfect certainty (which can never exist in any question of fact) but a defect of proof preventing a reasonable assurance of quilt.
Doubt
Uncertainty of condition.
Thy life shall hang in doubt before thee.
Doubt
Suspicion; fear; apprehension; dread.
I stand in doubt of you.
Nor slack her threatful hand for danger's doubt.
Doubt
Difficulty expressed or urged for solution; point unsettled; objection.
To every doubt your answer is the same.
Doubt
The state of being unsure of something
Doubt
Uncertainty about the truth or factuality of existence of something;
The dubiousness of his claim
There is no question about the validity of the enterprise
Doubt
Consider unlikely or have doubts about;
I doubt that she will accept his proposal of marriage
Doubt
Lack confidence in or have doubts about;
I doubt these reports
I suspect her true motives
She distrusts her stepmother
Doubt
A feeling of hesitancy or indecision.
He's in doubt about which path to take.
Doubt
Skepticism regarding religious or moral truths.
After studying many philosophies, he was filled with doubt about his previous beliefs.
Common Curiosities
Can Doubt have positive outcomes?
Yes, Doubt can lead to deeper inquiry and understanding by prompting individuals to seek clarity.
What does Doubt mean?
Doubt refers to uncertainty or lack of conviction about something.
Can one experience Doubt without Suspicion?
Absolutely. One might doubt their abilities without suspecting any external factors.
How is Suspicion different from Doubt?
Suspicion involves a mistrust or wariness of something or someone, whereas Doubt is about uncertainty.
Is Suspicion always negative?
Mostly, as it usually implies mistrust or a feeling that something might be hidden.
Can Suspicion be based on intuition?
Yes, many times Suspicion arises from an intuitive feeling rather than concrete evidence.
Is it healthy to always have Doubt?
Constant Doubt can be mentally exhausting, but occasional Doubt can be beneficial for growth and clarity.
What could cause Suspicion in a person?
Hidden agendas, deceptive behavior, or inconsistencies can arouse Suspicion.
Do Doubt and Suspicion always require evidence?
No, both can arise from feelings, beliefs, or intuition without concrete evidence.
When is Suspicion beneficial?
Suspicion can protect individuals from potential threats or deceit.
How can one confirm their Suspicion?
Through investigation, verification, or direct confrontation.
What's a common scenario for Doubt in everyday life?
Doubting one's decisions, like which job offer to accept.
How can one overcome Doubt?
By seeking clarity, gaining more knowledge, or discussing concerns.
How can Suspicion impact relationships?
Suspicion can strain or damage relationships if not addressed or if found to be baseless.
Is Doubt always related to oneself?
No, Doubt can relate to external concepts, ideas, or claims.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
