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Doubt vs Suspense - What's the difference?

doubt | suspense |

In obsolete terms the difference between doubt and suspense

is that doubt is to fill with fear; to affright while suspense is expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.

As nouns the difference between doubt and suspense

is that doubt is uncertainty, disbelief while suspense is the condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.

As a verb doubt

is to lack confidence in; to disbelieve, question, or suspect.

As an adjective suspense is

held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.

doubt

English

Alternative forms

* (l) (obsolete)

Noun

(wikipedia doubt)
  • Uncertainty, disbelief.
  • *
    • It was April 22, 1831, and a young man was walking down Whitehall in the direction of Parliament Street.. He halted opposite the Privy Gardens, and, with his face turned skywards, listened until the sound of the Tower guns smote again on the ear and dispelled his doubts .

    Related terms

    * benefit of the doubt * beyond a shadow of a doubt * beyond doubt * beyond reasonable doubt * doubtable * doubter * doubtful * doubting Thomas * doubtless * no doubt * reasonable doubt * shadow of a doubt * self-doubt * undoubtedly * without doubt

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (ambitransitive) To lack confidence in; to disbelieve, question, or suspect.
    • He doubted that was really what you meant.
  • * Hooker
    • Even in matters divine, concerning some things, we may lawfully doubt
  • * Dryden
    • To try your love and make you doubt of mine.
  • (archaic) To fear; to suspect.
  • * 1819 , Lord Byron, Don Juan , I.186:
    • He fled, like Joseph, leaving it; but there, / I doubt , all likeness ends between the pair.
  • (obsolete) To fear; to be apprehensive of.
  • * R. of Gloucester
    • Edmond [was a] good man and doubted God.
  • * Shakespeare
    • I doubt some foul play.
  • * Spenser
    • I of doubted danger had no fear.
  • (obsolete) To fill with fear; to affright.
  • *
  • * Beaumont and Fletcher
    • The virtues of the valiant Caratach / More doubt me than all Britain.

    Related terms

    * dubiety * dubious

    Statistics

    * English reporting verbs

    suspense

    English

    (wikipedia suspense)

    Alternative forms

    * (l) (obsolete)

    Noun

    (-)
  • The condition of being suspended; cessation for a time.
  • * Alexander Pope
    • a cool suspense from pleasure and from pain
  • the pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
  • The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.
  • * Denham
    • Ten days the prophet in suspense remained.
  • (legal) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.

    • Derived terms

    * suspenseful

    Related terms

    * cliffhanger * tenterhook

    Adjective

    (-)
  • (obsolete) Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
  • * Milton
    • [The great light of day] suspense in heaven.
  • (obsolete) Expressing, or proceeding from, suspense or doubt.
  • * Milton
    • Expectation held his look suspense .
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