Suspense vs. Suspence — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 17, 2023
"Suspense" is the correct spelling, referring to a state of anxious uncertainty or expectation. "Suspence" is an incorrect variant.
Which is correct: Suspense or Suspence
How to spell Suspense?
Suspense
Correct Spelling
Suspence
Incorrect Spelling
Difference Between Suspense and Suspence
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Remember the phrase: "In suspense, use the sense of 'se'."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Associate "suspense" with a tense movie scene.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Note that "spence" is unrelated to the meaning of anxious expectation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Recall the related word "suspension," which also uses "se."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Think of "sense" - a word ending with "se" that is used to perceive tension or excitement.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Definitions
Suspense
Suspense is a state of mental uncertainty, anxiety, being undecided, or being doubtful. In a dramatic work, suspense is the anticipation of the outcome of a plot or of the solution to an uncertainty, puzzle, or mystery, particularly as it affects a character for whom one has sympathy.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
Suspense is a feeling of anxious uncertainty about what will happen next.
The movie's suspense kept me on the edge of my seat.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Suspense
Anxiety or apprehension resulting from an uncertain, undecided, or mysterious situation
The suspense as they were announcing the winners was unbearable.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
The quality in a work of narrative art, such as a novel or film, that causes the audience to experience pleasurable excitement and anticipation regarding an outcome.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
(Archaic) The state or quality of being undecided, uncertain, or indecisive
The suspense of judgment.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
The pleasurable emotion of anticipation and excitement regarding the outcome or climax of a book, film etc.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
The unpleasant emotion of anxiety or apprehension in an uncertain situation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
Held or lifted up; held or prevented from proceeding.
[The great light of day] suspense in heaven.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
The state of being suspended; specifically, a state of uncertainty and expectation, with anxiety or apprehension; indetermination; indecision; as, the suspense of a person waiting for the verdict of a jury.
Ten days the prophet in suspense remained.
Upon the ticklish balance of suspense.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
An uncertain cognitive state;
The matter remained in suspense for several years
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
Excited anticipation of an approaching climax;
The play kept the audience in suspense
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
Suspense refers to a quality in literature or film that evokes excitement or tension.
The author builds suspense throughout the novel.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Suspense
Suspense denotes a state of being undecided or undetermined.
The decision was in suspense until the final vote.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Suspense
Suspense can describe a temporary delay or deferment.
The game was held in suspense due to rain.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Suspense
Suspense means an apprehensive anticipation.
The suspense of waiting for test results was agonizing.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Suspense
(legal) A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
Cessation for a time; stop; pause.
A cool suspense from pleasure and from pain.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
Suspense
A temporary cessation of one's right; suspension, as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.
Tayyaba Rehman
Dec 12, 2018
FAQs
What is the verb form of Suspense?
The verb form related to "suspense" is "suspend."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
What is the root word of Suspense?
The root word is the Latin "suspendere."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Which vowel is used before Suspense?
Typically, "a" or "in" as in "a state of suspense" or "in suspense."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
What is the plural form of Suspense?
Suspense is typically uncountable, but if referring to various types or instances, it's "suspenses."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Which preposition is used with Suspense?
Commonly, "in" as in "in suspense."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is Suspense a negative or positive word?
Neutral, but often associated with tension or anxiety.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Why is it called Suspense?
It's called "suspense" because it stems from the Latin "suspendere," meaning to suspend or hang, evoking a sense of uncertainty or expectation.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Suspense?
Any conjunction can be used depending on the sentence structure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is the Suspense term a metaphor?
Not inherently, but can be used metaphorically in writing.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is the word Suspense a Gerund?
No, "suspending" would be the gerund form of the verb "suspend."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Which article is used with Suspense?
Either "a" or "the," depending on context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is Suspense a vowel or consonant?
"Suspense" is a word composed of both vowels and consonants.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is Suspense a countable noun?
Typically uncountable, but can be countable in some contexts.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Which determiner is used with Suspense?
Determiners like "this," "that," "some," "any" can be used, depending on the context.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
How is Suspense used in a sentence?
The suspense of the thriller novel made it impossible to put down.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Is the word “Suspense” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
It can be either, depending on the sentence structure.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 17, 2023
Author Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.