French Conversation · Level 74
60 words
French word
soupçonner
Pronunciation
IPA/supsone/
Meaning
- verbsuspect
Example
Je soupçonne qu'il ment.
I suspect he is lying.
More examples
Je soupçonne mon collègue de mentir.
I suspect my colleague of lying.
Core concept
A faint cloud of doubt hangs over a person or claim, pointing toward a hidden fault or lie without settling the matter.
Common phrases
soupçonner quelqu'un
suspect someone
soupçonner quelqu'un de + infinitif
suspect someone of doing something
Similar words
suspecter: To suspect a particular person of wrongdoing despite insufficient evidence.
douter: To doubt that something is true or reliable.
supposer: To tentatively consider something true when information is lacking.
se méfier: To be wary of someone and avoid trusting them readily.
Definition in French
Soupçonner veut dire imaginer qu'une personne est peut-être responsable d'une faute, d'un mensonge ou d'une dissimulation, sans preuve ferme.
Word origin
Soupçonner is formed from the noun soupçon with the verb ending -er, and soupçon comes through Old French from Latin suspicionem.
Usage tips
- The construction soupçonner quelqu'un de + infinitive or noun is common, while soupçonner que introduces a full clause.