misgiving

Misgiving is a noun that denotes a feeling of doubt, uncertainty, or apprehension about a future event, decision, or course of action. It implies reservations about the likely outcome rather than immediate fear. In ordinary usage, someone may have misgivings about a proposal, a plan, or a policy, indicating that they are not fully convinced of its desirability or feasibility.

Origin and usage. The term is formed from the prefix mis- meaning wrong or ill, together with giving, literally something that gives a person cause for unease. The sense of doubt or hesitation dates from the Middle English period and is common in formal and literary writing. Misgivings are often expressed with about or regarding, as in misgivings about the plan or misgivings regarding its efficacy.

Relationship to related terms. Misgiving is closely related to doubt and reservations, but it typically conveys a more personal, emotional hesitation than abstract uncertainty. A stronger form is a qualm, especially when moral or ethical concerns are involved. Other near-synonyms include apprehension, concern, skepticism. In discourse, misgivings can serve as a prelude to cautious acceptance or to withholding endorsement.