distrustfully

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /dɪsˈtrʌstfəli/

KK: /dɪsˈtrʌstfəli/

adverb

Definition

In a way that shows a lack of trust or confidence in someone or something.

Example

She looked at him distrustfully after hearing the rumors.

Conversation

Did you see how he looked at us during the meeting?

Yeah, I noticed that too; it felt a bit distrustfully.

I wonder why he was acting like that.

Maybe he just doesn't know us well enough yet.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

suspiciously

warily

doubtfully

Antonyms

trustfully

confidently

assuredly

Root Explanation

Distrustfully → It is formed from "dis-" (meaning apart or away) and "trust" (from Old French *troster*, meaning to rely on or have confidence in) and the suffix "-fully" (meaning in a manner full of). The word "distrustfully" means in a manner full of doubt or lack of trust.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'apart' ('dis-') from having 'confidence' ('trust') — that's why distrustfully means acting in a way that shows doubt.

Visually Confused Words

mistrustfully

disgustfully