Suspicious

Definition

Suspicious is an adjective used to describe an inclination to believe that something is wrong or that someone is behaving wrongly, often without concrete evidence.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈspɪʃəs/
• Respelling: suh-SPISH-uhs (with "suh" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "supply," "SPISH" as in "fish," and "uhs" as in "rush")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈspɪʃəs/
• Respelling: suh-SPISH-uhs (similar to American English, with "suh" as in "supply," "SPISH" like in "fish," and "uhs" as in "rush")

In both dialects, "suspicious" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SPISH." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, highlighting the word's distinctive sound pattern.

Etymology

The word "suspicious" stems from the Middle English word suspecious, from Old French suspecieux, which is based on Latin suspicions from suspicere which means 'to suspect'. Its use in the English language dates back to the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Suspiciously (adverb)
• Suspiciousness (noun)
• Unsuspicious (adjective)
• Unsuspiciously (adverb)
• Unsuspiciousness (noun)

Synonyms

• Distrustful
• Skeptical
• Wary

Antonyms

• Trusting
• Credulous
• Unquestioning

Usage

The adjective "suspicious" is commonly used to describe a sense of mistrust or doubt toward a situation or individual. It's often used in everyday language to describe situations or behaviors that appear unusual or out of the ordinary, creating a sense of doubt or concern.

Related Terms

• Suspect
• Doubtful
• Mistrustful
• Disbelieving
• Skeptical

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Indicative of Suspicion: Giving the impression that something is questionable or wrong.
• Example: Her suspicious behavior alerted the security personnel.

• Having or Showing a Cautious Distrust of Someone or Something:
• Example: He was suspicious of her motives.

• Arousing the Suspicion of Others: Appearing to have a likelihood of being wrong or harmful.
• Example: There were suspicious circumstances surrounding his disappearance.