noun

suspicion

A very small amount of something.

Her smile carries a suspicion of amusement as she listens.

Etymology

A suspicion is something sensed without certainty. The quantity sense applies that faint perception to a trace too slight to be strongly apparent.

More examples

  • The sauce has just a suspicion of garlic.
  • A suspicion of pink colors the evening clouds.
  • There is a suspicion of irony in his reply.

Forms

suspicion · suspicions

Similar words

trace
Often emphasizes a tiny detectable amount or remaining sign.
hint
Emphasizes a faint suggestion of a quality or flavor.
touch
Often describes a small amount that adds a noticeable quality.