Skip to main content

the benefit of the doubt 

"the state of accepting something/someone as honest or deserving of trust even though there are doubts.

He might be lying, but we have to give him the benefit of the doubt and accept what he says for now."
To decide that you will believe someone, even though you are not sure that what the person is saying is true.
-Did you cheat on your girlfriend?
-No, why would I do that?
-I feel like you're lying, but I give you the benefit of the doubt.
Urban Dictionary Merch
Your favorite words on things you can wear, drink from, read, or give to a friend.
The Urban Dictionary Store sells gifts you’ll have to explain.

The benefit of the doubt 

Do you know what I’m giving high school the benefit of the doubt

(To give the) benefit of the doubt 

to allow another to disadvantage oneself to varying degrees; causing or contributing to unwellness for an undetermined amount of time, and/or death
(To give the) benefit of the doubt ...

She gave him the benefit of the doubt and wound up thousands of dollars in debt as a result.

He asked for the benefit of the doubt and continued to be dishonest, causing further distress, inconvenience and loss.

She was advised to take into account past and current behaviors as an indication of future behaviors and outcomes - to take into account her doubts based on experience and/or a gut feeling - as opposed to giving the benefit of the doubt, perhaps blindly, based on nothing at all besides at the request of another, likely a person that stands to benefit should she ignore said doubt.

Benefit of the doubt 

To give someone the benefit of the doubt is to default to the belief that their intentions are honest, and not assume malice when there is uncertainty or doubt surrounding the circumstances.
John didn't pay me back the $20 he owes me, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he simply forgot and isn't trying to rip me off.

Benefit of the doubt 

When giving someone the benefit of the doubt, you are believing what they say and taking their word because you, yourself, have some doubt about what happened.
Guy: nothing happened, i swear!
Girl: well i'll give you the benefit of the doubt since i have no idea what happened.
Benefit of the doubt by c.katie29 January 31, 2010

Benefit of the Doubt 

When you buy something on the gray market whose expense implies that it was stolen or illicitly acquired, but decide to not make that assumption
I just bought a $500 restaurant gift card to a fancy steakhouse for $20 in Bitcoin I made from Genesis Mining using promo code 032WbQ. The guy I bought it from was super creepy, and from Nigeria despite the fact that 100% of the steakhouses I can use the gift card at are in America. Oh well, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt!

Benefit of the doubt 

The resulting behavior after drinking a 12 pack or equivalant of alcohol.
Kevin gave the girl at the bar tonight the benefit of the doubt.

Kevin gave the pedestrians on his way home the benefit of the doubt. Some of them made it, some of them didn't.
More from Urban Dictionary

briefcake 

"Did you check out the briefcake in courtroom C?"
briefcake by Ben Frey April 6, 2006
Word of the Day on November 3, 2026
Brought to public attention by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in the book on the fall of Richard Nixon, All The President’s Men, ratfucker was Nixon’s term for a political operative who sows chaos among opponents; an agent provocateur. It is thought to have originated among campus political rivalries at USC, and seems to have some usage in the US military.
Along with Nixon’s other ratfuckers, Roger Stone caused fights at otherwise peaceful Democratic Party protests to generate a false narrative that the Democrats were violent and dangerous.
Ratfucker by Ricky Ramjet November 2, 2017
Word of the Day on November 2, 2026

countrypolitan 

Term used to describe someone who is a mix of both rural (country) and urban (metropolitan) lifestyles/upbringings. He/she is typically equally comfortable in both settings and is able to seamlessly slip back and forth between the two, appreciating the characteristics of each.
That ol' gal of mine drives the 12 lane freeway during the week and a John Deere on the weekends. She likes opra and the Grand Ol' Opry. I love them countrypolitan women.
countrypolitan by MOChick November 7, 2006
Word of the Day on November 1, 2026

Witch Bath 

A bath consisting of a variety of slats, oils, soaps or any other added ingredients such as fruits, milks, herbs or any other spices for health or beautifying benifits.
She brought home alot of stuff and took it to the bathroom. She must be taking a witch bath.
Witch Bath by carnieboy30 October 26, 2020
Word of the Day on October 31, 2026

kinktober 

An excuse for people to write porn with different types of kinks throughout the month of October.

Smut Fanfiction
That chick doesn't write often but when she does, its for Kinktober.
kinktober by Kinkiest July 12, 2018
Word of the Day on October 30, 2026
Load more