misgiving

IPA

Dictionary definition of misgiving

A feeling of doubt, suspicion, or apprehension about something, especially about a decision or course of action.
"Despite his initial misgiving, he found himself enjoying the experience."

Detailed meaning of misgiving

It is often associated with a sense of unease or uncertainty, and can arise from a variety of sources, such as a lack of information, past experiences, or fear of the unknown. Misgivings can be mild or severe, and can affect one's confidence and ability to proceed with a task or decision. The term "misgiving" implies a sense of caution or skepticism, and is often used to describe a gut feeling or intuition about a situation. Overall, the noun "misgiving" connotes a sense of hesitation or reservation about something, often based on incomplete or uncertain information.

Example sentences containing misgiving

1. His misgiving about the decision lingered in the back of his mind.
2. The misgiving in her voice was evident when she spoke about the upcoming project.
3. Despite his misgiving, he reluctantly agreed to the plan.
4. She couldn't shake the nagging misgiving that something was wrong.
5. The misgiving in his heart grew stronger as the day went on.
6. Her misgiving turned into a sinking feeling in her stomach.

History and etymology of misgiving

The noun 'misgiving' has an etymology that reflects the sense of doubt and apprehension it conveys. It is formed by combining the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrong' or 'badly' and the Middle English word 'giving,' which is related to the Old English 'giefan,' meaning 'to give.' The combination suggests a sense of 'wrongly giving' or 'giving with reservations.' When one has misgivings about something, they are essentially expressing doubt, suspicion, or apprehension about a decision or course of action, indicating a reluctance to fully embrace it due to concerns or uncertainties. The etymology of 'misgiving' aligns with its modern usage, emphasizing the hesitation and unease associated with this feeling of doubt or suspicion.

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Further usage examples of misgiving

1. John's misgiving made him hesitate before accepting the job offer.
2. The misgiving in the air was palpable as they discussed their future.
3. His misgiving about the new policy was shared by many in the office.
4. She concealed her misgiving behind a forced smile.
5. The misgiving in his expression betrayed his true feelings.
6. Despite his misgiving, he followed through with the risky plan.
7. Her misgiving about the situation was justified when things went wrong.
8. The misgiving in the room was thick as tension mounted.
9. His misgiving about their relationship finally came to the surface.
10. She had a nagging misgiving that she had forgotten something important.
11. The misgiving in the atmosphere was hard to ignore.
12. Her misgiving about the decision proved to be well-founded.
13. Even though he had misgiving about the journey, he embarked on it anyway.
14. He couldn't shake the misgiving that something was amiss.
15. Her misgiving about the plan cast a shadow of doubt.
16. His misgiving about the partnership turned out to be valid.
17. Despite her misgiving, she accepted the challenging assignment.
18. I had a deep misgiving that we were heading in the wrong direction.
19. There was a nagging misgiving in the back of his mind.
20. His misgiving about the decision lingered long after it was made.
21. The misgiving in his voice was hard to ignore.
22. Their misgiving about the product's safety was warranted.
23. The misgiving in her eyes was unmistakable.
24. I had a sinking misgiving that our plan might backfire.