Suspectly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤨

Add to dictionary

suspectly

[səˈspektli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a suspicious manner

In a way that suggests that someone may have done something wrong or illegal.

Synonyms

distrustfully, questioningly, suspiciously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suspectly	When something or someone appears potentially dubious or untrustworthy, but there is no concrete evidence yet. The cashier looked at the crumpled bill suspectly, unsure if it was counterfeit
suspiciously	When there is a strong feeling of doubt or mistrust, often accompanied by the belief that something wrong or dishonest is happening. The security guard eyed the man in the hood suspiciously as he lingered near the exit
distrustfully	When there is a general lack of trust towards a person or situation, often based on past experiences or inherent skepticism. She glanced distrustfully at the stranger offering her a deal that seemed too good to be true
questioningly	When someone is unsure or curious about something and seeks clarification or confirmation. He looked at his teacher questioningly after being given a new assignment that seemed confusing

Examples of usage

He looked at her suspectly, wondering if she was telling the truth.
The police officer eyed the man suspectly, thinking he might be involved in the crime.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

showing suspicion

Showing a lack of trust in someone or something.

Synonyms

distrustful, incredulous, suspicious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
suspectly	When something is done in a way that makes you think it might not be honest or safe. This word can have a negative connotation. He looked at the document suspectly, unsure of its authenticity. She suspectly eyed the stranger who approached her in the dark alley.
suspicious	When you think someone or something might be involved in something wrong or illegal. This word often has a negative connotation. The man’s behavior was suspicious, so the police decided to investigate. She was suspicious of his sudden change in attitude.
distrustful	Used to describe a person who is not willing to trust others. This word often implies a general tendency to be wary and can have a negative connotation. She was distrustful of new people due to past experiences. He grew up in a distrustful environment where everyone kept to themselves.
incredulous	When someone is unwilling or unable to believe something because it seems surprising or unexpected. This word does not necessarily have a negative connotation. She gave him an incredulous look when he told her the news. He was incredulous at the idea that he had won the lottery.

Examples of usage

Her suspectly gaze made him feel uneasy.
The suspectly behavior of the dog indicated that something was wrong.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Humans have a natural tendency to be vigilant about threats, which explains why we can feel suspicious in various situations.
Cues from body language, such as avoiding eye contact, can trigger feelings of suspicion in social interactions.
Research in social psychology studies how people's assumptions about others' intentions can lead to distrust or suspicion.

Pop Culture

In mystery novels and films, characters often show 'suspectly' behavior, keeping viewers guessing about their true motives.
The phrase 'suspect behavior' has become common in films, creating a familiar trope where some characters are not what they appear to be.
Popular detective shows often involve characters behaving 'suspectly', drawing audiences into twists and turns of a plot.

Literature

Many classic literary works involve characters whose actions invoke suspicion, deepening the plot and character development.
In Shakespeare's plays, characters often exhibit suspectly behavior to convey themes of betrayal and concealed motives.
The use of unreliable narrators in literature can create suspicion around the truth of the story being told.

Sociology

Social norms dictate what is considered 'normal' behavior; anything outside of that can lead to suspicion among individuals.
Stereotypes can cause groups to be viewed suspectly, impacting social interactions and relationships.
Cultural differences in behavioral expectations can lead to misunderstandings where certain actions may be deemed 'suspectly' in one culture but not in another.

Origin of 'suspectly'

Main points about word origin

The word is derived from 'suspect', which comes from the Latin 'suspectus' meaning 'looked up at' – it initially described a sense of distrust.
Adding 'ly' to words often changes them from adjectives to adverbs, explaining how an action is performed.
The use of 'suspect' in English dates back to the 14th century, showing the long history of the concept of doubt.

The word 'suspectly' is derived from the adjective 'suspect', which comes from the Latin word 'suspicio', meaning 'mistrust' or 'suspicion'. The suffix '-ly' is added to form the adverb 'suspectly', indicating the manner in which something is done suspiciously or with distrust. The term has been in use since the 16th century, evolving over time to its current form and meaning.