B2verb 2K

Suspect

🇬🇧 UK /["/səˈspekt/","/səˈspekts/","/səˈspektɪd/","/səˈspektɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/səˈspekt/","/səˈspekts/","/səˈspektɪd/","/səˈspektɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Suspect

to have an idea that something is probably true or likely to happen, especially something bad, but without having definite proof

In simple words: to think someone might be guilty or bad

Suspect in a sentence

• The detective began to suspect that the alibi was fabricated.
• I suspect she took the last piece of cake.
• Many people suspect that the company is hiding something.
• The police have a list of suspects in the robbery case.
• You can’t just suspect someone without any evidence.
• The teacher would suspect cheating if the same answers appeared.

How to use Suspect

Used when you have a feeling that someone is responsible for something negative. Not typically used for casual conversation unless referring to criminals. In formal contexts, it may require clarification.

Grammar pattern

suspect + object

Memory hint

Think 'sus-pect' like a detective looking at a suspect in a movie.

Related words

Collocations with Suspect

• strongly
• rather
• rightly
• begin to
• have reason to
• have reasons to
• be widely suspected
• rightly
• wrongly
• of
• have grounds for suspecting somebody/​something
• have grounds to suspect somebody/​something
• have reason to suspect somebody/​something

Synonyms for Suspect

• doubt
• question
• suspect
• imply
• sceptic

Opposites of Suspect

• trust
• believe
• assure

Common mistakes with Suspect

• Confused with 'suspected' - remember to use 'suspect' for present tense.
• Using 'suspect' without an object - always have something or someone you suspect.
• Mispronouncing it as 'suspect' like the noun form, when it is used as a verb.

Frequently asked questions about Suspect

What does Suspect mean?

to think someone might be guilty or bad

What is the definition of Suspect?

to have an idea that something is probably true or likely to happen, especially something bad, but without having definite proof

How do you use Suspect in a sentence?

The detective began to suspect that the alibi was fabricated.

Can you give another example of Suspect?

I suspect she took the last piece of cake.

What are synonyms for Suspect?

Common alternatives include doubt, question, suspect, imply, sceptic.

What is the opposite of Suspect?

Opposite meanings include trust, believe, assure.

What words go with Suspect?

It commonly pairs with strongly, rather, rightly, begin to, have reason to, have reasons to, be widely suspected, rightly, wrongly, of, have grounds for suspecting somebody/​something, have grounds to suspect somebody/​something, have reason to suspect somebody/​something.

What are common mistakes when using Suspect?

Confused with 'suspected' - remember to use 'suspect' for present tense. Using 'suspect' without an object - always have something or someone you suspect. Mispronouncing it as 'suspect' like the noun form, when it is used as a verb.

How do you pronounce Suspect?

US: /["/səˈspekt/","/səˈspekts/","/səˈspektɪd/","/səˈspektɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/səˈspekt/","/səˈspekts/","/səˈspektɪd/","/səˈspektɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Suspect?

Used when you have a feeling that someone is responsible for something negative. Not typically used for casual conversation unless referring to criminals. In formal contexts, it may require clarification.

What CEFR level is Suspect?

"Suspect" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.