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English

Suspect

səˈspɛkt
Very common
~ 2200
~ 2200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Suspect -

To believe or have a feeling that someone is guilty of a crime or wrongdoing without definite proof

Example: The police suspect him of stealing the money.
Usage: formalContext: legal or investigative settings
Note: This meaning is commonly used in criminal investigations and legal proceedings.

To doubt or be unsure about something

Example: I suspect that she is not telling the truth.
Usage: formal/informalContext: everyday conversations
Note: This meaning is used when expressing uncertainty or skepticism about a situation or person.

A person who is believed to be guilty of a crime or wrongdoing

Example: The main suspect in the robbery has been arrested.
Usage: formalContext: legal or investigative settings
Note: In this context, 'suspect' refers to someone under investigation for a crime.

Suspect's synonyms

distrust

To distrust means to have doubts or lack of trust in someone or something.
Example: I distrust his motives for wanting to join the team.
Note: While 'suspect' implies a belief that someone is guilty of something, 'distrust' focuses more on a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.

mistrust

Mistrust is similar to distrust, indicating a lack of trust or suspicion towards someone or something.
Example: She had a feeling of mistrust towards the new neighbor.
Note: Mistrust is often used to describe a general feeling of suspicion or doubt, while 'suspect' is more specific in implying a belief that someone is involved in wrongdoing.

doubt

To doubt means to be uncertain or skeptical about something.
Example: I have serious doubts about his ability to complete the project on time.
Note: While 'suspect' implies a belief that someone is likely guilty of something, 'doubt' is more about questioning or being uncertain about the truth or validity of something.

question

To question means to ask someone in order to get information or clarification.
Example: The police will question the suspect about his whereabouts on the night of the crime.
Note: While 'suspect' is more about believing someone is involved in wrongdoing, 'question' focuses on seeking information or clarification through asking.

Suspect expressions, common phrases

Prime suspect

Refers to the main or most likely person suspected of committing a crime.
Example: He was the prime suspect in the robbery due to his criminal record.
Note: Emphasizes the leading or main person suspected.

Under suspicion

Refers to being suspected or distrusted for something, often without concrete evidence.
Example: The employee was under suspicion for leaking confidential information.
Note: Conveys a broader sense of being suspected beyond just a specific crime.

Suspect foul play

Implies a belief that a crime or wrongdoing has occurred, especially in a mysterious or deceptive way.
Example: The sudden disappearance of the treasure led the authorities to suspect foul play.
Note: Suggests a more specific suspicion of deliberate wrongdoing.

Highly suspect

Indicates that something is very questionable or dubious.
Example: The results of the experiment were highly suspect, raising doubts about their validity.
Note: Conveys a stronger sense of doubt or skepticism compared to just being a suspect.

Suspect someone/something of

Means to believe or have doubts about someone or something's involvement in a particular action or event.
Example: The police suspect him of being involved in the drug trafficking ring.
Note: Highlights the act of suspecting someone or something specifically.

Innocent until proven guilty

Emphasizes the principle that a person should be considered innocent unless proven otherwise.
Example: In our legal system, individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Note: Contrasts the presumption of innocence with the notion of being a suspect.

Suspect motives

Refers to questioning or doubting someone's intentions or reasons behind their actions.
Example: Her sudden generosity raised suspicions of suspect motives among her colleagues.
Note: Focuses on questioning the underlying reasons rather than just the suspicion of wrongdoing.

Suspect everyday (slang) expressions

Sketchy

Sketchy is used to describe something or someone suspicious, shady or untrustworthy.
Example: I don't trust that guy, he seems really sketchy.
Note: Sketchy has a more informal and colloquial tone compared to 'suspect'.

Fishy

Fishy is used to describe something that seems suspicious or strange.
Example: The whole situation just seems fishy to me, I think we should be careful.
Note: Fishy has a more playful and informal connotation than 'suspect'.

Dodgy

Dodgy is used to describe something or someone questionable, suspicious or unreliable.
Example: I wouldn't go near that place, it looks pretty dodgy.
Note: Dodgy often implies a sense of risk or danger, while 'suspect' is more neutral.

Shady

Shady is used to describe someone or something that appears deceitful or untrustworthy.
Example: Her behavior last night was so shady, I'm not sure what she's up to.
Note: Shady carries a stronger implication of deceit or dishonesty than 'suspect'.

Suss

Suss is used to describe something or someone suspicious, dubious, or questionable.
Example: I can't quite put my finger on it, but something about him seems suss.
Note: Suss is a more informal and shortened form of 'suspect'.

Dodge

Dodge is used to describe something that seems dishonest, shady, or unreliable.
Example: The deal he offered sounds like a bit of a dodge to me.
Note: Dodge is often used in situations where there is an element of trickery or deception involved.

Caggy

Caggy is used to describe something that feels questionable, doubtful or suspicious.
Example: I get a caggy feeling about this new business proposal, something doesn't add up.
Note: Caggy is a less common slang term, originating from British slang, and is not as widely used as 'suspect'.

Suspect - Examples

The police have arrested a suspect in connection with the robbery.
His behavior was very suspect, so we decided not to trust him.
The suspect denied any involvement in the crime.

Suspect grammar

Suspect - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: suspect
Conjugations
Adjective (Adjective): suspect
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): suspects
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): suspect
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): suspected
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): suspecting
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): suspects
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): suspect
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): suspect
Syllables, Separation and Stress
suspect Contains 2 syllables: sus • pect
Phonetic transcription: ˈsə-ˌspekt
sus pect , ˈsə ˌspekt (The red syllable is stressed)

Suspect - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
suspect: ~ 2200 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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