sospechar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /sospeˈxaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To suspect
• To doubt
• To mistrust

Meaning and Usage

The verb "sospechar" is commonly used in both spoken and written Spanish and refers to the act of believing or thinking that something is true or likely to happen, especially without having clear evidence. It is particularly relevant in contexts involving doubt or assumptions about someone's intentions or actions. The frequency of use is moderate to high in general conversational settings but can also be quite prevalent in legal and investigative contexts.

Example Sentences

1. Yo sospecho que ella no dice la verdad.

2. I suspect that she is not telling the truth.

3. Los detectives empezaron a sospechar de su coartada.

4. The detectives began to suspect his alibi.

5. No quiero sospechar sin pruebas claras.

6. I don’t want to suspect without clear evidence.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Sospechar" is often used in various idiomatic expressions that reflect doubt or mistrust.

Example Idiomatic Expressions

1. Sospechar de alguien.
2. Translation: To suspect someone.
3. Example: "Siempre sospecho de las personas que no miran a los ojos."

4. "I always suspect people who don’t look into my eyes."

5. Sospechas infundadas.

6. Translation: Groundless suspicions.
7. Example: "No deberías actuar basándote en sospechas infundadas."

8. "You shouldn't act based on groundless suspicions."

9. Despertar sospechas.

10. Translation: To raise suspicions.
11. Example: "Su comportamiento extraño despertó sospechas entre los vecinos."

12. "His strange behavior raised suspicions among the neighbors."

13. Sospechar hasta de la sombra.

14. Translation: To suspect even one's own shadow.
15. Example: "Desde que ocurrió el robo, sospecha hasta de la sombra."
16. "Ever since the robbery happened, he suspects even his own shadow."

Etymology

The word "sospechar" comes from the Latin "suspicāre," which means "to suspect." The Latin root itself derives from "suspicere," where "sus-" means "from below" and "specere" means "to look." Thus, it carries the connotation of looking from below or having a viewpoint that implies doubt.

Synonyms

• Dudar (to doubt)
• Desconfiar (to mistrust)
• Presumir (to presume)

Antonyms

• Confiar (to trust)
• Asegurar (to assure)
• Certificar (to certify)

This comprehensive overview provides insight into the verb "sospechar," its meanings, usage, idiomatic expressions, and related linguistic aspects in Spanish.