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Suspiciously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suspiciously

[səˈspɪʃəsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a doubtful or distrustful manner

If someone looks at you suspiciously, they do not trust you or are not sure about your intentions. It can also refer to an action or situation that raises doubts or mistrust.

Synonyms

distrustfully, doubtfully, questioningly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suspiciously

Use this word when there is a strong sense of something being wrong or dishonest. It often conveys caution and mistrust.

  • She looked at him suspiciously when he avoided answering her question
  • He walked around the abandoned building suspiciously
distrustfully

This word is best used when someone has a general lack of trust or confidence in someone or something. It conveys a stronger and more chronic sense of doubt.

  • He stared at the salesman distrustfully, unsure if the deal was genuine
  • She spoke about the new policy distrustfully, worried about possible hidden clauses
doubtfully

This word fits situations where there is uncertainty or hesitation about the truth or reliability of something. It's less intense than 'suspiciously' or 'distrustfully'.

  • She answered the question doubtfully, not sure if her answer was correct
  • He doubtfully agreed to the plan, fearing it might not work
questioningly

Use this word when someone is seeking information or clarification and is curious or confused. It does not carry the same negative connotations as the other words.

  • He looked at her questioningly, wondering what she meant by her last statement
  • She raised her hand questioningly during the lecture

Examples of usage

  • He glanced suspiciously at the stranger sitting next to him.
  • She answered the questions suspiciously, as if she had something to hide.
  • The package was wrapped suspiciously, with no return address.
Context #2 | Adverb

in a way that suggests something is wrong or illegal

When something is done suspiciously, it indicates that there may be deceit or dishonesty involved. It can be used to describe actions or behaviors that seem secretive or underhanded.

Synonyms

fishily, questionably, shadily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
suspiciously

Best used to describe actions or behavior that cause doubt or mistrust. Common in neutral or formal contexts.

  • He looked at the closed door suspiciously, wondering what was inside.
  • The manager noticed the employee's suspiciously high expenses.
shadily

Used in informal contexts and carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting dishonesty or illegal activity.

  • He behaved shadily, always meeting people in dark corners.
  • The business transaction was carried out shadily, with no proper documentation.
questionably

Typically used in both informal and formal contexts to highlight actions or decisions that appear to be of dubious legality or morality. Can be neutral or slightly negative.

  • The company's questionably legal practices raised several eyebrows.
  • His decision to change the grades was questionably ethical.
fishily

Used in informal contexts to describe something that seems untrustworthy or dubious. It often implies deceit or trickery.

  • That deal sounds fishily good to be true.
  • She smiled fishily, making him think twice about her intentions.

Examples of usage

  • He behaved suspiciously when asked about his whereabouts last night.
  • The car was parked suspiciously close to the bank.
  • The email looked suspiciously like a phishing scam.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being suspicious is often a protective mechanism; it can help individuals identify potential dangers.
  • Research indicates that people often become suspicious when something contradicts their expectations.
  • Studies show that high levels of suspiciousness can lead to anxiety and affect social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • In many detective movies, characters operate suspiciously to uncover hidden truths.
  • The 'suspicious look' trope is common in cartoons, often portraying characters who smell something fishy.
  • Famous fictional detectives, like Sherlock Holmes, are known for their suspicious nature towards people and events, often leading to dramatic revelations.

Literature

  • Suspicious characters frequently appear in mystery novels, creating an air of intrigue and tension.
  • In Shakespeare's works, suspicion often drives plots and creates conflict among characters.
  • Suspicion can symbolize deeper themes of trust and betrayal in narratives, influencing character development.

Everyday Use

  • People might speak or act suspiciously when they are hiding something or worried about being discovered.
  • In everyday conversations, when someone says something suspiciously vague, it usually indicates they aren't telling the whole truth.
  • Common phrases include 'suspiciously quiet' or 'suspiciously specific', often used to describe unnatural behavior.

Origin of 'suspiciously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'suspiciosus', meaning 'full of suspicion'.
  • Generally, the prefix 'sus-' indicates being under or beneath, suggesting a hidden feeling about something.
  • The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs in English, changing an adjective into a way of doing something.

The word 'suspiciously' is derived from the adjective 'suspicious,' which has its roots in the Latin word 'suspiciosus,' meaning 'full of suspicion.' The concept of suspicion has been present throughout history as a natural instinct for self-preservation, leading to cautious and wary behavior. Over time, 'suspiciously' has come to signify actions or attitudes that evoke doubt or mistrust.

See also: suspiciousness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,674, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.