Distrustfulness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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distrustfulness

[dɪsˈtrʌstf(ə)lnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

The quality or state of being distrustful; lack of trust or confidence.

Synonyms

doubt, mistrust, suspicion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distrustfulness	Used to describe a general and ongoing state of not trusting others. More serious and consistent than 'doubt' or 'suspicion'. His distrustfulness made it hard for him to build friendships
suspicion	Used when you think something might be true, but you have limited or no proof. Often implies a negative or cautious outlook. Her strange behavior raised suspicion among her coworkers
doubt	Used for specific situations where you are unsure about something or someone. Less intense than 'mistrust' or 'distrustfulness'. She had some doubt about whether she would get the job
mistrust	Used when you have a lack of confidence or faith in someone or something, often because of past experiences. Slightly negative but not as intense as 'distrustfulness'. There was a deep mistrust between the two business partners

Examples of usage

He regarded the stranger with distrustfulness.
The distrustfulness in her eyes was evident.
I could sense the distrustfulness in his tone.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

personality trait

A personality trait characterized by a general sense of suspicion and lack of trust in others.

Synonyms

cynicism, skepticism, wariness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
distrustfulness	This is used when someone consistently feels that others are not to be trusted or that their actions might not be genuine. It often suggests a general state or habit of not trusting others. Her distrustfulness made it difficult for her to form close relationships. In an environment of distrustfulness, collaboration can be challenging.
cynicism	Use this when referring to a person who believes that people are motivated purely by self-interest, often indicating a general distrust of others' sincerity. This word often has a negative connotation. His cynicism about politics made him highly critical of all politicians. The movie portrays a world-view filled with cynicism and disillusionment.
skepticism	This word is appropriate when someone doubts the truth or value of something. It's often used in contexts involving doubt about ideas, statements, or the efficacy of things. His skepticism about the new diet fad was based on lack of scientific evidence. There was a lot of skepticism regarding the company's new product launch.
wariness	This describes a state of being alert and cautious about potential danger or problems. It indicates careful attention and can be used in both interpersonal and situational contexts. She approached the strange dog with wariness. His wariness of investment scams saved him from potential loss.

Examples of usage

His distrustfulness often led to conflicts with his colleagues.
Her distrustfulness made it difficult for her to form close relationships.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Studies show that individuals who experience distrustfulness may have past trauma affecting their relationships.
Cognitive biases can contribute to distrustfulness, leading people to misinterpret certain situations or behaviors.
Distrustfulness can create a cycle of isolation, as it often inhibits close relationships and emotional connections.

Sociology

Distrustfulness can spread within communities, affecting social cohesion and collaboration among members.
Research suggests that cultures with high levels of interpersonal distrust may experience lower levels of economic prosperity.
Public figures or institutions that exhibit distrustful behaviors can diminish overall societal trust in leadership.

Literature

Distrustfulness is a common theme in literature, often symbolizing deeper issues of betrayal and communication.
Characters exhibiting distrustfulness often face internal conflicts that propel the narrative forward, showcasing their growth or decline.
Classic works, like Shakespeare’s plays, feature figures who struggle with trust, reflecting the complexity of human relationships.

Pop Culture

Distrustfulness is often portrayed in films, such as thrillers where characters must navigate deception and betrayal.
Songs and music frequently explore the theme of distrust in relationships, resonating with audiences' personal experiences.
Social media reflects and amplifies distrustfulness, fostering environments where misinformation can thrive.

Origin of 'distrustfulness'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'distrust,' meaning an absence of trust, and the suffix '-fulness,' indicating a state of being.
This term evolved from Old French and Middle English roots, reflecting a gradual shift in their meanings over centuries.

The word 'distrustfulness' dates back to the early 17th century, derived from the combination of 'distrust' and the suffix '-ful' to denote the quality or state of being distrustful. The concept of distrustfulness has been explored in various literary works and psychological studies, highlighting its impact on interpersonal relationships and decision-making processes.