Mistrust: meaning, definitions and examples
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mistrust
[ mɪsˈtrʌst ]
in relationships
A feeling or attitude of suspicion or doubt towards someone's intentions or honesty.
Synonyms
distrust, doubt, skepticism, suspicion.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
mistrust |
Use this word when you think someone or something is not honest or reliable. It implies a general lack of trust based on past experiences or perceptions.
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distrust |
This word is used when you believe someone or something is untrustworthy or when there is a specific reason not to trust. Distrust is often stronger and more active than mistrust.
|
suspicion |
This word is used when you think that someone might be guilty of wrongdoing or there might be something hidden. It often carries a negative connotation.
|
doubt |
This is used when you are uncertain about something or someone. It often implies questioning the truth or reliability without full disbelief.
|
skepticism |
Use this word when you have a questioning attitude or doubt about things often considered true or good. It is common in science, philosophy, and critical thinking.
|
Examples of usage
- He couldn't help but feel a sense of mistrust towards his new coworker.
- The constant lies and deceit had led to a deep mistrust between the two friends.
in actions
To regard with suspicion or doubt.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
mistrust |
This word is often used when there is a lack of trust due to past experiences or a general sense of suspicion. It implies a deeper, often emotional, sense of uncertainty about someone's intentions or actions.
|
distrust |
Distrust is used when there is an active decision not to trust someone or something based on evidence or a strong reason. It conveys a more rational, considered form of skepticism.
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suspect |
Suspect is used when there is a belief or impression that someone is guilty of an offense or has done something wrong, but without solid proof. It often has a negative connotation.
|
doubt |
This word is appropriate when someone is unsure or hesitant about certain information, abilities, or scenarios. It implies uncertainty rather than an outright belief that something is untrustworthy.
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Examples of usage
- She mistrusted the stranger's offer of help.
- The detective mistrusted the alibi given by the suspect.
Translations
Translations of the word "mistrust" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desconfiança
🇮🇳 अविश्वास
🇩🇪 Misstrauen
🇮🇩 ketidakpercayaan
🇺🇦 недовіра
🇵🇱 nieufność
🇯🇵 不信
🇫🇷 méfiance
🇪🇸 desconfianza
🇹🇷 güvensizlik
🇰🇷 불신
🇸🇦 عدم الثقة
🇨🇿 nedůvěra
🇸🇰 nedôvera
🇨🇳 不信任
🇸🇮 nezaupanje
🇮🇸 vantraust
🇰🇿 сенімсіздік
🇬🇪 უნდობლობა
🇦🇿 etimadsızlıq
🇲🇽 desconfianza
Etymology
The word 'mistrust' originated from the combination of the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'badly' or 'wrongly' and the word 'trust'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of mistrust has been prevalent throughout history, as humans have always grappled with issues of trust and suspicion in various relationships and contexts.
See also: distrust, distrustful, entrust, entrusting, mistrustful, mistrustfully, trust, trustee, trustful, trustfulness, trustingly, trustworthily, trustworthiness, trustworthy, untrusting, untrustworthily, untrustworthiness, untrustworthy.