a feeling of unease or doubt about whether you are doing the right thing
example
She had a qualm about lying to her friend, fearing it might damage their relationship.
synonyms
misgivinguncertaintydoubt
word origin — The word 'qualm' comes from the Old Norse word 'kvalm', meaning 'nausea' or 'anguish', which is related to the Old English 'cwealm', meaning 'death' or 'destruction'.
qualm, quibble, quiescence, ramification, rotundity: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 190. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
qualm · noun/kwɑm/
a feeling of unease or doubt about whether you are doing the right thing
She had a qualm about lying to her friend, fearing it might damage their relationship.
Synonyms: misgiving, uncertainty, doubt
Origin: The word 'qualm' comes from the Old Norse word 'kvalm', meaning 'nausea' or 'anguish', which is related to the Old English 'cwealm', meaning 'death' or 'destruction'.
quibble · noun/ˈkwɪb.əl/
a slight or trivial objection or argument
There was a small quibble about the dates, but overall the project proposal was approved without much debate.
Synonyms: argument, objection, dispute
Origin: Late Middle English, from the verb 'quibble' meaning to argue or raise petty objections, probably of imitative origin.
quiescence · noun/kwiˈɛs.əns/
a state of inactivity or dormancy
After a long period of quiescence, the seeds finally began to germinate when the conditions were just right.
Synonyms: dormancy, inactivity, rest
Origin: Late Latin 'quiescentia' from 'quiescere' meaning 'to rest', from 'quies' meaning 'rest, quiet, peace'.
ramification · noun/ˌræməfɪˈkeɪʃən/
a consequence or result that complicates a situation
The decision to cut funding for education had serious ramifications for the entire community, affecting students, teachers, and local economies.
Synonyms: consequence, implication, fallout
Origin: Derived from the Latin root 'ramificare', meaning to branch out, which is formed from 'ramus' meaning branch.
rotundity · noun/roʊˈtʌndɪti/
the quality of being rounded or spherical
The rotundity of the planet was clearly visible from the spaceship, highlighting its spherical shape against the backdrop of the stars.
Synonyms: roundness, fullness, curvature
Origin: from Latin 'rotunditas' meaning 'roundness', from 'rotundus' meaning 'round'.