Recorded from about 1600, from misgive, an older verb meaning to make someone feel doubt or fear. It combines mis-, meaning “badly” or “wrongly,” with an older sense of give meaning “suggest.”
Recorded from about 1600, from misgive, an older verb meaning to make someone feel doubt or fear. It combines mis-, meaning “badly” or “wrongly,” with an older sense of give meaning “suggest.”
What does misgiving mean?
A misgiving is an uneasy doubt or worry that something may be wrong or may turn out badly.
Is misgiving usually singular or plural?
Both are correct, but misgivings is especially common when someone has several doubts or concerns.
Which preposition commonly follows misgivings?
The usual pattern is misgivings about something, such as “misgivings about the plan.”
What is a common synonym for misgiving?
Doubt, unease, apprehension, qualm, and reservation are common synonyms.
What is the opposite of misgiving?
Depending on the context, confidence, certainty, or assurance can express the opposite idea.
Where does misgiving come from?
It comes from the older verb misgive, which meant to make someone feel doubt or fear.