Qualm

Pronunciation: /kwɑm/

Definitions of qualm

noun a sudden feeling of uneasiness, doubt, or apprehension

Example Sentences

A1 I had a qualm about eating the strange-looking food.

A2 She couldn't shake off the qualm of guilt after lying to her friend.

B1 His qualms about the project's feasibility were justified.

B2 Despite her qualms, she decided to take a leap of faith and start her own business.

C1 The CEO had no qualms about firing employees who did not meet expectations.

C2 His moral qualms prevented him from participating in the unethical business practices.

Examples of qualm in a Sentence

formal She had a qualm about signing the contract without fully understanding the terms.

informal I have a qualm about going to that party, I don't know anyone there.

slang I don't have any qualms about skipping class today, it's so boring.

figurative His qualm about public speaking was like a heavy weight on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

Grammatical Forms of qualm

• past tense: qualmed
• plural: qualms
• comparative: more qualm
• superlative: most qualm
• present tense: qualm
• future tense: will qualm
• perfect tense: have qualmed
• continuous tense: is qualming
• singular: qualm
• positive degree: qualm
• infinitive: to qualm
• gerund: qualming
• participle: qualmed

Origin and Evolution of qualm

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'qualm' originated from Middle English, derived from Old English 'cwealm' meaning death or slaughter.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'qualm' shifted from death or slaughter to a feeling of unease or doubt, particularly moral or ethical in nature.