benefit of the doubt

American  

noun

1. a favorable opinion or judgment adopted despite uncertainty.

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Etymology

Origin of benefit of the doubt

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

"We don't want our teachers to interpret what the kids have written and give them the benefit of the doubt because they know them and they know they're trying hard," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Updating the calculations for gold’s recent epic run, investment consultants Nicholas Conant and Mark Wood of Callan gave the cube some benefit of the doubt by enlarging it with all of the bullion since mined.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

“This operation shows state capacity that people haven’t given them the benefit of the doubt for,” says Malcolm Dorson, head of emerging markets strategy at Global X ETFs.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

Giving you the benefit of the doubt and the conversation jumping off from there, George is very good at that.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2026

“You ignored everything I said. You told me you knew better. I gave you the benefit of the doubt because I had faith in you, because you’ve proven yourself before, but—” He pauses in frustration.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu