WordGarden.iosuspiciously
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /səspˈɪʃəsli/
US
- /səˈspɪʃəsli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that seems questionable, dishonest, or likely to involve something wrong
with distrust or as if suspecting something
Beyond the definition
Imagine you walk into a room and find all the furniture rearranged, but no one admits to moving it. You might look at your family suspiciously, meaning you're watching them closely because something feels off or untrustworthy.
"Suspiciously" adds a layer of doubt or unease to an action or situation. It suggests that something isn't quite right, and you may think someone is hiding something or up to no good. A package left on your doorstep with no return address might seem suspicious. It's more than just strange; it hints at a possible problem. Think of Sherlock Holmes: he often looks at things suspiciously, searching for clues others miss.
"Suspiciously" is an adverb that describes how something is done in a way that evokes distrust, doubt, or the feeling that something isn't quite right. It implies a lack of transparency and suggests there might be hidden motives or intentions behind an action.
You'll often encounter "suspiciously" when describing behavior. If someone avoids eye contact while answering questions, they might be acting suspiciously. If a gift arrives anonymously, it's received suspiciously. It doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong, but that there's enough of an oddity to raise a red flag.
The word stems from "suspect," meaning to doubt or distrust. So, acting "suspiciously" is essentially behaving in a way that makes others suspect something isn't as it seems.
It can also be used to modify descriptions of objects or situations. A suspiciously quiet house late at night might prompt you to investigate. A suspiciously low price on an item could indicate a scam.
Think of it like this: if something feels "off" and makes you question its authenticity or purpose, it's likely being done – or is happening – suspiciously. It's the adverb that adds a dash of mystery and intrigue to any situation.
Examples
- 1
Nervous behavior
The man at the door glanced up and down the street suspiciously.
- 2
Blame
After the money disappeared, everyone looked at Ben suspiciously.
- 3
Too specific
She asked a few suspiciously specific questions about when I would be out of town.
- Phrasesuspiciously specific
so detailed that it makes you wonder why
- 4
Strange silence
The office was suspiciously quiet after the manager called an emergency meeting.
- Patternsuspiciously + adjective
unusually that way, in a way that makes you doubt or worry
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Scam warning
The website offered a brand-new phone for $50, which seemed suspiciously cheap.
- 6
Possible copying
His new song sounds suspiciously like his last hit.
- Patternsuspiciously like + another work
so similar that it may not be original
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- suspiciouslyadverb