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

See Examples For:

benefit of the doubt

"It was his first game, so it is what it is. We gave him the benefit of the doubt and didn't say anything to him."

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 2026

But I also want to give it the benefit of the doubt.

From Salon ● Jun. 15, 2026

Unlike Drejka, Kelver did not fire her gun, nor did she initiate the confrontation, yet she was not given the benefit of the doubt by local authorities.

From Slate ● Jun. 4, 2026

Maybe, though, you should give Roberts the benefit of the doubt.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 15, 2026

He tried, as always, to give the benefit of the doubt to whoever had done it.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers