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mistrustfully
Mistrustfully (adverb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does mistrustfully mean?
Performed with a sense of suspicion, skepticism, or lack of trust.
"She glanced mistrustfully at the stranger standing in the corner."
Detailed Meaning of Mistrustfully
It indicates the manner in which someone engages or interacts with others, projects doubt, or approaches a situation. When someone acts mistrustfully, they exhibit caution, wariness, or skepticism towards others' intentions, motives, or actions. They may maintain a sense of doubt or hesitation, often due to past experiences or a general lack of confidence in others. Mistrustfully can be observed through behaviors such as questioning, hesitating, scrutinizing, or exhibiting guardedness. It conveys a sense of skepticism and implies a readiness to suspect deception or untrustworthiness. People may act mistrustfully to protect themselves or their interests, to maintain a sense of control, or due to a lack of confidence in the reliability of others.
Example Sentences for Mistrustfully
1. The dog approached the unfamiliar object mistrustfully, sniffing it cautiously.
2. He answered the question mistrustfully, unsure of the interviewer's motives.
3. They exchanged glances, eyeing each other mistrustfully.
4. The child held the toy out, but the cat eyed it mistrustfully before accepting it.
5. The employee watched the new manager's actions mistrustfully, skeptical of their intentions.
6. The audience listened to the speaker's claims mistrustfully, doubting their validity.
Origin and Etymology of Mistrustfully
The adverb 'mistrustfully' is constructed from the noun 'mistrust' and the adverbial suffix '-fully.' 'Mistrust' itself is derived from the Middle English word 'mistrusten,' which can be traced back to the Old English term 'mistrēost,' composed of 'mis,' meaning 'wrong' or 'bad,' and 'trēowian,' meaning 'to trust' or 'to have confidence in.' When combined with the suffix '-fully,' it forms 'mistrustfully,' denoting an action performed with a sense of suspicion, skepticism, or a lack of trust. The etymology of this adverb highlights the idea of a cautious or skeptical approach, where the prefix 'mis' suggests a sense of doubt or apprehension, while the suffix '-fully' conveys the manner in which the action is carried out.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
Find the correct meaning of the adverb mistrustfully:
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More Usage Examples of Mistrustfully
1. The detective interrogated the suspect, observing their every move mistrustfully.
2. The group approached the abandoned house mistrustfully, unsure of what they might find inside.
3. The negotiator studied the contract terms mistrustfully, searching for any hidden clauses.
4. The villagers regarded the outsider mistrustfully, wary of their intentions.
5. He glanced mistrustfully at his reflection in the mirror, wondering if he could trust himself.
6. She glanced at him mistrustfully, unsure of his motives.
7. He raised an eyebrow, looking at the offer mistrustfully.
8. The stranger eyed her mistrustfully as she approached.
9. He listened to the proposal mistrustfully, sensing a trap.
10. She shook her head mistrustfully, doubting his sincerity.
11. They exchanged glances, both eyeing each other mistrustfully.
12. The detective interrogated the suspect mistrustfully.
13. He accepted the apology, but still, he watched her mistrustfully.
14. The villagers greeted the outsider mistrustfully.
15. Mistrustfully, she examined the fine print of the contract.
16. He proceeded cautiously, scanning the room mistrustfully.
17. Mistrustfully, he questioned the reliability of the source.
18. The dog growled mistrustfully at the stranger.
19. She followed the directions, albeit mistrustfully.
20. The team regarded the newcomer mistrustfully.
21. Mistrustfully, he questioned the authenticity of the document.
22. She approached the old house mistrustfully, sensing danger.
23. The council members listened to the proposal mistrustfully.
24. Mistrustfully, he observed the unfolding events.
25. They handled the delicate situation mistrustfully.
Synonyms and Related Words for Mistrustfully
Related Vocabulary Practice
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SAT 20 (Scholastic Assessment Test)
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Doubt and Skepticism
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