qualms — feelings of doubt, hesitation, or uneasiness about the rightness of a course of action
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: feelings of doubt, hesitation, or uneasiness about the rightness of a course of action
Pronunciation (IPA): /kwɑːmz/
Example Sentences
- The boss had no qualms about firing people right before Christmas.
- I have serious qualms about eating this sushi that's been sitting out for three hours.
- She expressed her qualms about the company's environmental policies.
qualms
NOUN[/kwɑːmz/]
feelings of doubt, hesitation, or uneasiness about the rightness of a course of action
While the greedy thief took the dropped money without hesitation, the honest boy felt qualms and pulled his hand back.
QU (question) + ALM (alms/charity) — before stealing the charity money, the thief faced several sharp questions of conscience and felt deep qualms.
Looking at the stolen gold in his palm, he instantly lost his calm and was overwhelmed by qualms.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From 16th-century German, originally meaning 'death agony' or 'extreme pain.' Over time, the meaning shifted from physical suffering to mental uneasiness, particularly moral doubt or anxiety.
Breakdown
qualm (root meaning 'pain/distress') + -s (plural suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The boss had no qualms about firing people right before Christmas.”
“I have serious qualms about eating this sushi that's been sitting out for three hours.”
“She expressed her qualms about the company's environmental policies.”
“Without any qualms, he ate the last slice of pizza that was clearly labeled with his roommate's name.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.