Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
benefit of the doubt
phrase
/ˈbɛnɪfɪt əv ðə daʊt/
Definition
The belief that one should presume someone is innocent or has good intentions until evidence suggests otherwise.
Examples
- When you found your friend at the scene, you gave him the benefit of the doubt that he wasn’t involved.
- Even though the report was confusing, she decided to give the author the benefit of the doubt and read it again.
Meaning
To give someone the advantage of doubt instead of assuming the worst about them.
Synonyms
- Presumption of innocence
- Assumption of good faith
- Taking at face value
