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trustfully

B1
adverb

Pronunciation

UK

  • /trˈʌstfəlɪ/

US

  • /trˈʌstfəli/

Description

To act trustfully means to behave in a way that shows trust in someone or something. It is not just a feeling inside; it is trust that can be seen in what you do. A child might hand a precious toy trustfully to a parent, believing it will be kept safe. Or you might share a secret trustfully with a close friend, believing they will keep it private.

The word suggests openness and a willingness to rely on another person without much fear or doubt. It is often used to describe how someone acts, not just what they feel. You can trust someone in theory, but you act trustfully when you let them hold something valuable or when you speak to them in an open, relying way.

Examples

  1. 1

    Family

    The child looked up at her father trustfully.

    • Usage

      trustfully is more common in writing than in everyday speech

  2. 2

    Animal behavior

    After a few minutes, the shy dog came closer and rested its head on my knee trustfully.

  3. 3

    Friendship

    Even after the mistake, he turned trustfully to his oldest friend for advice.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • trustfullyadverb