Suspicious
/səˈspɪʃəs/
Definitions
2 meaningsArousing suspicion or doubt; inclined to suspect.
/səˈspɪʃəs/
Arousing or causing suspicion; questionable
The neighbors were suspicious of the new residents.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see someone with a big bag sneaking around your house. You might feel suspicious, like something sneaky is going on and you should be careful.
👶 For kids: When something looks like it might be a trick or a problem. Like if a toy is broken and someone is hiding it.
More Examples
Her suspicious behavior raised concerns among her colleagues.
The food had a suspicious odor.
How It's Used
"The police found a suspicious package near the bank."
"The witness gave a suspicious account of the events."
Having or showing a cautious distrust of someone or something.
/səˈspɪʃəs/
Feeling or showing suspicion
He was suspicious of the salesman's offer.
💡 Simply: If you're suspicious of someone, you don't quite trust them, and you might think they're hiding something.
👶 For kids: When you think someone is trying to fool you or is not telling the truth.
More Examples
She felt suspicious about the sudden change in his behavior.
Being a bit suspicious can help you avoid scams.
How It's Used
"The patient presented a suspicious attitude towards the doctor's advice."
"After the argument, she became suspicious of his every action."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
a suspicious mind
A tendency to doubt and distrust others.
"He has a suspicious mind, always believing people are out to get him."
raise suspicions
To cause people to feel suspicious.
"His frequent absences raised suspicions among his coworkers."
From Middle English suspecious, from Old French sospecious, from Latin suspicio (“mistrust, suspicion”), from suspicere (“to look up at, to suspect”).
The word 'suspicious' has been used since the 14th century, initially related to the concept of mistrust and doubt.
Memory tip
Think of a spy who always looks over their shoulder.