Unsuspecting: meaning, definitions and examples
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unsuspecting
[ˌʌnsəˈspektɪŋ ]
Definitions
person
Not aware of the true nature of a situation, especially that something harmful or unpleasant is likely to happen.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unsuspecting |
Duplicate entry. |
| naive |
When someone shows a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment. Often used to describe people who are overly simplistic in their thinking or unaware of the complexities of life.
|
| innocent |
When someone is free from guilt or wrongdoing, or lacks experience and knowledge about the harsh realities of life. Can be used in both a legal sense and to describe a person's nature.
|
| gullible |
When someone is easily tricked or fooled because they are too trusting. This word has a negative connotation and often implies a lack of critical thinking.
|
Examples of usage
- He was caught by surprise because he was unsuspecting of their plan.
- The unsuspecting victim fell for the scam and lost all his money.
object
Not giving any indication that something is going to happen.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| unsuspecting |
Can be used when someone does not expect something bad to happen or does not see a hidden danger.
|
| unaware |
Can be used when someone does not know something or is not conscious of something. It’s a neutral term and can apply to any situation.
|
| oblivious |
Describes someone who is completely unaware of something happening around them, often because they are preoccupied with something else.
|
| ignorant |
Generally has a negative connotation and refers to someone who lacks knowledge or awareness about a particular thing. Can be used in both general and specific contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The package was left on the doorstep, unsuspecting of the impending storm.
- The unsuspecting car owner returned to find his vehicle had been stolen.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not', and 'suspect', which means to think someone might be guilty or that something could be wrong.
- It has roots in Latin; 'suspectus' means 'looked up at’, indicating doubt or caution.
- In English, it first appeared in the late 1500s, related to people failing to notice potential dangers.
Psychology
- People who are unsuspecting often have a higher level of trust, which can make them vulnerable to deception.
- Cognitive biases can lead to unsuspecting behavior; for instance, the optimism bias makes individuals believe that bad things will not happen to them.
- Children typically exhibit more unsuspecting traits due to their limited life experiences compared to adults.
Literature
- In mystery novels, unsuspecting characters often drive the plot, as they contribute to the suspense when they are unaware of hidden threats.
- Classic stories, like Shakespeare's 'Othello,' often feature unsuspecting individuals manipulated by others for dramatic effect.
- This theme is common in fairy tales, where unsuspecting heroes or heroines face unforeseen challenges, like Cinderella being unaware of her life changes.
Pop Culture
- Movies often highlight unsuspecting characters; think of horror films where the protagonist is oblivious to the danger around them, amplifying tension.
- In comedy, unsuspecting characters might walk into humorous situations, leading to laugh-out-loud moments.
- Television shows frequently play on unsuspecting plots, like a twist ending where a character is completely shocked by the revelations around them.
Translations
Translations of the word "unsuspecting" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desprevenido
🇮🇳 असावधान
🇩🇪 ahnungslos
🇮🇩 tidak curiga
🇺🇦 нічого не підозрюючий
🇵🇱 niczego niepodejrzewający
🇯🇵 無警戒の
🇫🇷 sans méfiance
🇪🇸 desprevenido
🇹🇷 habersiz
🇰🇷 아무것도 모르는
🇸🇦 غير مرتاب
🇨🇿 nic netušící
🇸🇰 nič netušiaci
🇨🇳 毫无戒心的
🇸🇮 nepričakovan
🇮🇸 grunlaus
🇰🇿 күдіксіз
🇬🇪 არაეჭვიანი
🇦🇿 şübhəsiz
🇲🇽 desprevenido