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suspicious

B1 adjective #29 最常用 11分钟阅读

suspicious

前29

At the A1 level, 'suspicious' is a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a 'bad feeling' or 'not trusting' someone. Think about when you see a person acting strangely, like someone trying to open a car door that isn't theirs. You might feel that something is wrong. That feeling is being 'suspicious.' You can use it in simple sentences like 'The man is suspicious' or 'I am suspicious.' It is like saying 'I think he is a bad person' or 'I think this is a lie.' At this level, don't worry about the complex grammar. Just remember it is an adjective used to describe a person or a thing that makes you feel worried or unsure. You might hear it in movies when a detective is looking for a thief. If you see a 'suspicious' box on the street, you should not touch it. It is a word that helps you stay safe by identifying things that are not normal. Try to remember the sound: 'sus-pish-us.' It rhymes with 'delicious,' but it means the opposite of something good! Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand warnings in public places like airports or train stations.

For A2 learners, 'suspicious' is a useful word for describing people and situations in more detail. You can start using the pattern 'suspicious of.' For example, 'The cat is suspicious of the new toy.' This means the cat does not trust the toy yet. You can also use it to describe 'suspicious behavior.' If you see someone looking around many times before they do something, that is suspicious behavior. It is an important word for talking about mysteries or problems. You might use it when you talk about a story you read or a movie you watched. 'The police were suspicious of the brother.' At this level, you should also know that 'suspicious' is the adjective form. The noun is 'suspicion.' You can say 'I have a suspicion' if you have a small idea that something is wrong. It is a very common word in news reports. If a house burns down and the police don't know why, they might say the fire is 'suspicious.' This means they think someone might have started it on purpose. Learning this word helps you move beyond simple words like 'bad' or 'strange' to more specific descriptions of mistrust.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'suspicious' in various contexts, both personal and professional. You should understand the two main meanings: feeling mistrust (I am suspicious of him) and causing mistrust (His behavior was suspicious). You should also be familiar with common collocations like 'suspicious activity,' 'suspicious circumstances,' and 'suspicious package.' At this level, you can use 'suspicious' to describe more abstract things, like a 'suspiciously low price' or a 'suspiciously quiet room.' You should also be able to distinguish 'suspicious' from similar words like 'skeptical' or 'wary.' For example, you are skeptical of a claim, but suspicious of a person's motives. You should also be careful with the preposition 'of.' Remember that 'suspicious' is often followed by 'of' when you name the person or thing you don't trust. In your writing, 'suspicious' adds a layer of intrigue and detail. Instead of saying 'The situation was weird,' saying 'The situation was suspicious' implies that there might be something illegal or dishonest happening. This level of precision is what distinguishes a B1 learner from an A2 learner. You are now using the word to analyze situations and express complex feelings of doubt.

B2 learners should use 'suspicious' with nuance and precision. You should understand how it fits into formal registers, such as in legal or medical contexts. For instance, a 'suspicious mole' in medicine refers to a growth that might be malignant. In law, 'suspicious circumstances' can be a specific legal threshold for starting an investigation. You should also be able to use adverbs to modify the word, such as 'highly suspicious,' 'deeply suspicious,' or 'mildly suspicious.' These adverbs help you express the degree of your doubt. At this level, you should also be aware of the word's role in social commentary. You might discuss why certain groups are more 'suspicious' of the government than others. You can also use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Suspicious of the sudden change in policy, the employees began to protest.' Here, the adjective phrase at the beginning of the sentence provides the reason for the action. You should also be familiar with the informal 'sus' and know when it is appropriate to use it (social media, gaming) and when it is not (essays, business emails). Your ability to use 'suspicious' in these varied ways shows a high level of linguistic flexibility.

At the C1 level, you should explore the deeper psychological and philosophical implications of 'suspicious.' You might use it to describe a 'hermeneutics of suspicion'—a style of interpretation that seeks to uncover hidden meanings or power structures. You should be able to use the word to describe complex human behaviors and societal trends. For example, 'The pervasive culture of surveillance has made citizens increasingly suspicious of one another.' You should also have a mastery of its synonyms and be able to choose the perfect word for the context, whether it's 'dubious,' 'leery,' 'apprehensive,' or 'distrustful.' Your use of 'suspicious' should be effortless and integrated into sophisticated grammatical structures. You might use it in the passive voice or in complex clauses: 'The data, which many researchers found suspicious, was eventually retracted from the journal.' You should also be aware of the word's history and how its meaning has evolved from 'looking up at' to 'mistrusting.' At this level, you are not just using the word to describe a feeling; you are using it as a tool for critical analysis and detailed expression of human experience. You can also identify subtle shifts in tone when 'suspicious' is used ironically or sarcastically in literature and high-level discourse.

For C2 learners, 'suspicious' is a word that can be wielded with extreme subtlety. You should be able to use it to describe the finest shades of doubt and the most complex of human motivations. You might use it in an academic paper to critique a methodology: 'The reliance on self-reported data is inherently suspicious in a study of this nature.' You should also be able to appreciate its use in high literature, where 'suspicious' might be used to create an atmosphere of Gothic dread or psychological tension. Your understanding of the word should include its etymological roots and its relationship to other words in the 'spec' (to look) family, such as 'spectacle,' 'introspection,' and 'retrospect.' You should be able to use 'suspicious' in highly formal or archaic structures if the context demands it. Furthermore, you should be able to analyze the word's impact on the reader or listener, recognizing how it can be used to manipulate perception or cast doubt without providing evidence. At this level, 'suspicious' is more than just an adjective; it is a conceptual category that you can manipulate to express the most refined observations about the world, human nature, and the limits of knowledge. Your mastery of the word is complete, allowing you to use it with total precision and creative flair.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

suspicious 30秒了解

Suspicious is an adjective used to describe a feeling of mistrust or a situation that seems dishonest or dangerous.
It can describe both a person's internal state (feeling wary) and an external object's quality (looking fishy).
Commonly used in law enforcement, cybersecurity, and daily life to signal that something needs closer investigation.
Key grammatical patterns include 'suspicious of' and 'suspicious that,' often intensified by adverbs like 'highly' or 'deeply'.

The word suspicious is a versatile adjective that functions in two primary ways in the English language. First, it describes a person's internal state—the feeling of doubt, mistrust, or the intuition that something is not quite right. When you are suspicious, your mind is actively looking for hidden motives or potential dangers. Second, it describes external things—objects, behaviors, or situations that provoke this feeling in others. For instance, a 'suspicious package' is one that looks like it might contain something dangerous, even if the person looking at it isn't naturally a distrustful person. Understanding this duality is crucial for B1 learners because the context determines whether the 'suspicion' is coming from the subject or being projected onto the object.

The Internal Feeling: This refers to the psychological state of being wary or cautious. It often involves a 'gut feeling' that someone is lying or that a deal is too good to be true. In this sense, it is synonymous with being 'distrustful' or 'skeptical'.

The detective became suspicious when the witness changed her story for the third time.

The External Quality: This refers to things that look 'fishy' or 'shady'. If a car is parked in a dark alley with its engine running for three hours, that is suspicious behavior. The car itself isn't 'feeling' anything; rather, it possesses qualities that make observers feel uneasy.

In social contexts, being suspicious is often seen as a protective mechanism. We are taught to be suspicious of emails from unknown senders asking for bank details. In literature and film, suspicion is the engine of the mystery genre. Without a suspicious character or a suspicious event, there would be no plot to uncover. The word carries a weight of tension; it implies that the truth is hidden beneath a surface of normalcy. Whether you are talking about a suspicious smell in the kitchen or a suspicious glint in someone's eye, you are signaling that the current state of affairs requires closer investigation. It is a word of caution, a word of the 'sixth sense,' and a word that bridges the gap between what we see and what we suspect to be true.

There was something suspicious about the way he avoided making eye contact during the interview.

Formal vs. Informal: In formal reports, police use 'suspicious' to justify investigations. In informal slang, younger generations might use 'sus' (a shortened version) to describe anything weird or untrustworthy.

Using 'suspicious' correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns. The most common structure is subject + be + suspicious + of + object. This is used when a person feels mistrust toward someone or something. For example, 'She is suspicious of his motives.' Another common pattern is subject + be + suspicious + that + clause, used when you have a specific theory about what is wrong. For example, 'The doctor was suspicious that the patient wasn't taking the medicine.' When describing an object, the structure is simpler: noun + be + suspicious, as in 'The sudden silence was suspicious.'

The bank flagged the transaction as suspicious because it originated from an unusual location.

You can also use 'suspicious' to modify nouns directly. Common pairings include 'suspicious activity,' 'suspicious circumstances,' and 'suspicious character.' In these cases, the adjective acts as a warning label. If you see 'suspicious activity' on your credit card statement, it means someone might have stolen your information. If a death occurs under 'suspicious circumstances,' it means the police think it might not have been an accident. These collocations are vital for achieving a B1 level of fluency because they appear frequently in news reports and legal documents.

Prepositional Use: Always use 'of' after suspicious when identifying the target of the doubt. 'I am suspicious about' is also used, but 'of' is more standard and frequent in formal writing.

Neighbors called the police after seeing a suspicious man loitering near the playground.

Furthermore, 'suspicious' can be used in the comparative and superlative forms, though 'more suspicious' and 'most suspicious' are preferred over adding suffixes. 'He became more suspicious as the night went on.' It can also be used in a predicative position (after the verb) or an attributive position (before the noun). 'The suspicious man' (attributive) vs 'The man was suspicious' (predicative). Note that 'The man was suspicious' can mean either he was feeling doubt or he looked untrustworthy. To avoid confusion, use 'The man was suspicious of the deal' for the former and 'The man's behavior was suspicious' for the latter.

His suspicious nature made it difficult for him to form close friendships.

Negative Inversion: While rare, you might see 'Suspicious though he was, he decided to trust her.' This emphasizes the conflict between his doubt and his final action.

You will encounter the word 'suspicious' in a variety of real-world environments, ranging from the mundane to the high-stakes. One of the most common places is in public safety announcements. If you have ever traveled through a major airport or train station in an English-speaking country, you have likely heard the phrase: 'Please report any suspicious packages or behavior to a member of staff or the police.' In this context, 'suspicious' is a call to vigilance. It asks the public to use their intuition to identify things that don't belong or people acting in an unusual manner.

The security guard noticed a suspicious vehicle circling the building after hours.

In the digital world, 'suspicious' is a key term in cybersecurity. Your email provider might move a message to the spam folder because it detected 'suspicious links' or 'suspicious sender activity.' Banks also use automated systems to monitor for 'suspicious transactions.' If you suddenly spend $5,000 in a country you've never visited, your bank will likely freeze your card due to suspicious activity. Here, the word is used technically to describe patterns that deviate from the norm and suggest fraud or theft.

True Crime and News: News anchors frequently use the term when reporting on ongoing investigations. 'Police are treating the fire as suspicious' means they suspect arson rather than an accident. It is a standard piece of journalistic jargon.

The investigators found suspicious stains on the carpet that required forensic testing.

In everyday conversation, 'suspicious' is used to express personal doubt. You might hear a friend say, 'I'm suspicious of that new diet everyone is talking about.' This doesn't mean the diet is illegal, but rather that your friend doubts its effectiveness or safety. It is also used in relationships. If a partner starts hiding their phone, the other person might become suspicious. In these personal contexts, the word often carries an emotional weight of anxiety or hurt. Whether it's a 'suspicious look' from a stranger or a 'suspiciously low price' on a used car, the word is a constant companion in our efforts to navigate a world where things aren't always what they seem.

I'm always suspicious of politicians who make grand promises during election season.

Legal and Medical Contexts: Doctors might look for 'suspicious moles' that could be cancerous. Lawyers might argue that a piece of evidence was obtained under 'suspicious circumstances' to have it thrown out of court.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing the adjective 'suspicious' with the noun 'suspicion' or the verb 'suspect.' Remember: you *have* a suspicion (noun), you *suspect* someone (verb), and you *are* suspicious (adjective). Saying 'I have suspicious' is incorrect; it should be 'I have a suspicion' or 'I am suspicious.' Similarly, 'I suspicious him' is a common mistake for 'I suspect him.' Keeping these parts of speech separate is essential for clear communication.

Incorrect: He has a suspicious that his phone is tapped. Correct: He has a suspicion that his phone is tapped.

Another mistake is the 'Who is feeling what?' confusion mentioned earlier. Because 'suspicious' can describe both the person feeling the doubt and the thing causing the doubt, sentences can sometimes be ambiguous. 'The suspicious man' could be a man who doesn't trust anyone, or a man who looks like a thief. To be clear, use 'distrustful' for the person's personality and 'suspect' or 'dubious' for the person's appearance, although 'suspicious' is acceptable for both if the context is clear.

Preposition Errors: Learners often use 'with' or 'at' instead of 'of.' 'I am suspicious with him' is incorrect. The correct form is 'I am suspicious of him.' While 'about' is sometimes used, 'of' is the standard preposition for this adjective.

Incorrect: I am suspicious at his sudden kindness. Correct: I am suspicious of his sudden kindness.

Finally, watch out for the spelling. The 'ci' in the middle often gets replaced by 'sh' or 'si' by learners because of the pronunciation (/səˈspɪʃəs/). Remember that it comes from 'suspicion,' which also uses 'ci.' A good way to remember is that 'suspicious' and 'delicious' share the same ending pattern, even though they have very different meanings! Misspelling this word in a formal report or an essay can detract from your credibility, so it's worth practicing the 'cious' ending.

The suspicious (not suspishous) package was safely removed by the bomb squad.

Overusing 'Sus': While 'sus' is popular in gaming and social media, using it in a professional or academic setting is a mistake. Stick to the full word 'suspicious' in all formal writing.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to 'suspicious' but carry slightly different nuances. 'Wary' is a great alternative when you want to emphasize being cautious or on your guard because of potential danger. 'Skeptical' is better when you doubt the truth of a statement or the success of a plan. 'Dubious' often describes something of questionable value or quality, like a 'dubious honor' or a 'dubious claim.' Understanding these distinctions allows you to be more precise in your descriptions.

Suspicious vs. Wary: 'Suspicious' implies you think someone is doing something wrong. 'Wary' implies you are being careful to avoid being hurt or tricked. You might be wary of a stray dog, but you are suspicious of a man hiding a knife.
Suspicious vs. Skeptical: 'Skeptical' is more intellectual. You are skeptical of a new scientific theory. 'Suspicious' is more intuitive or moral. You are suspicious of a person's secret motives.

While I was skeptical of the results, the police were outright suspicious of the lab's methods.

Informal alternatives include 'fishy' and 'shady.' If a situation 'smells fishy,' it means something is wrong, though you might not know exactly what. A 'shady' person is someone who seems dishonest or involved in illegal activities. These are common in spoken English but should be avoided in formal writing. On the more formal side, 'questionable' or 'disputable' can be used. For example, 'The validity of the contract is questionable.' This sounds more professional than saying the contract is 'suspicious.'

Suspicious vs. Distrustful: 'Distrustful' is a general lack of trust in others. 'Suspicious' is usually directed at a specific person or event. A distrustful person might be suspicious of everyone they meet.

In summary, while 'suspicious' is your 'all-purpose' word for doubt and mistrust, choosing a more specific synonym can make your English sound more natural and sophisticated. Whether you are describing a 'dubious' achievement, a 'wary' traveler, or a 'shady' deal, matching the word to the specific type of doubt you feel is a hallmark of advanced language use. Practice using these alternatives in your writing to see how they change the tone of your sentences.

The CEO's dubious accounting practices eventually led to a federal investigation.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The root 'spec' (to look) is the same root found in 'spectacles,' 'perspective,' and 'inspector.' All these words are about different ways of seeing or looking at things!

发音指南

UK /səˈspɪʃ.əs/

US /səˈspɪʃ.əs/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: su-SPIC-ious.

押韵词

Delicious Ambitious Malicious Nutritious Vicious Capricious Judicious Officious

常见错误

Pronouncing the 'c' as a 'k' sound (like 'sus-pik-ious').
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Confusing the 'cious' ending with 'tious' or 'sious'.
Pronouncing the 'u' too strongly in the first syllable.
Dropping the final 's' sound.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Common in news and fiction, usually easy to identify from context.

写作 4/5

Spelling 'cious' and using the correct preposition 'of' can be tricky.

口语 3/5

Pronunciation is generally straightforward once the 'shus' sound is mastered.

听力 3/5

Clear stress pattern makes it easy to hear in conversation.

接下来学什么

前置知识

Trust Doubt Strange Wrong Look

接下来学习

Skeptical Dubious Wary Incredulous Cynical

高级

Hermeneutics of suspicion Plausible deniability Circumstantial evidence Probable cause Malfeasance

需要掌握的语法

Adjectives ending in -ious

Suspicious, delicious, ambitious, cautious.

Prepositional adjectives

Suspicious of, afraid of, proud of, aware of.

That-clauses after adjectives

I am suspicious that he is lying.

Adverbs of degree with adjectives

Highly suspicious, somewhat suspicious, very suspicious.

Linking verbs with adjectives

He looks suspicious. It sounds suspicious. They became suspicious.

按水平分级的例句

The man looks suspicious.

L'homme a l'air suspect.

Subject + look + adjective.

I am suspicious of the dog.

Je me méfie du chien.

Adjective + of + noun.

Is that a suspicious box?

Est-ce une boîte suspecte ?

Adjective before noun.

He has a suspicious face.

Il a un visage suspect.

Adjective modifying a noun.

Don't be suspicious.

Ne sois pas méfiant.

Imperative negative.

The cat is suspicious.

Le chat est méfiant.

Simple predicate adjective.

It is a suspicious noise.

C'est un bruit suspect.

Adjective before noun.

They are suspicious of me.

Ils se méfient de moi.

Plural subject + be + adjective.

She was suspicious of the stranger's story.

Elle se méfiait de l'histoire de l'étranger.

Past tense of 'be'.

The police found a suspicious car.

La police a trouvé une voiture suspecte.

Verb + adjective + noun.

I felt suspicious when he asked for money.

Je me suis senti méfiant quand il a demandé de l'argent.

Feel + adjective.

His behavior was very suspicious last night.

Son comportement était très suspect hier soir.

Adverb 'very' modifying adjective.

We are suspicious of the new neighbors.

Nous nous méfions des nouveaux voisins.

Present tense plural.

There is a suspicious person at the door.

Il y a une personne suspecte à la porte.

There is + noun phrase.

The teacher was suspicious of the student's exam.

Le professeur se méfiait de l'examen de l'élève.

Possessive noun + of.

Why are you being so suspicious?

Pourquoi es-tu si méfiant ?

Present continuous for temporary behavior.

The bank called me about suspicious activity on my account.

La banque m'a appelé pour une activité suspecte sur mon compte.

Collocation: suspicious activity.

I'm suspicious of any deal that sounds too good to be true.

Je me méfie de toute affaire qui semble trop belle pour être vraie.

Suspicious of + noun phrase.

The investigators are treating the death as suspicious.

Les enquêteurs traitent le décès comme suspect.

Treat as + adjective.

He gave me a suspicious look when I mentioned his name.

Il m'a jeté un regard suspect quand j'ai mentionné son nom.

Give + indirect object + adjective + noun.

The package was deemed suspicious by the security team.

Le colis a été jugé suspect par l'équipe de sécurité.

Passive voice: be deemed + adjective.

She is naturally suspicious of people she doesn't know.

Elle est naturellement méfiante envers les gens qu'elle ne connaît pas.

Adverb 'naturally' modifying adjective.

There were suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire.

Il y avait des circonstances suspectes entourant l'incendie.

Collocation: suspicious circumstances.

I'm suspicious that he might be lying to us.

Je soupçonne qu'il pourrait nous mentir.

Suspicious + that clause.

The sudden resignation of the CEO was highly suspicious.

La démission soudaine du PDG était hautement suspecte.

Adverb 'highly' + adjective.

Voters are increasingly suspicious of political promises.

Les électeurs sont de plus en plus méfiants vis-à-vis des promesses politiques.

Adverb 'increasingly' + adjective.

The doctor advised her to monitor any suspicious moles.

Le médecin lui a conseillé de surveiller tout grain de beauté suspect.

Medical context.

He was arrested after being spotted acting in a suspicious manner.

Il a été arrêté après avoir été aperçu agissant de manière suspecte.

In a + adjective + manner.

The software detects suspicious patterns in network traffic.

Le logiciel détecte des schémas suspects dans le trafic réseau.

Technical context.

She grew suspicious when the price of the house dropped significantly.

Elle est devenue méfiante quand le prix de la maison a chuté de manière significative.

Grow + adjective (linking verb).

There is nothing suspicious about wanting to protect your privacy.

Il n'y a rien de suspect à vouloir protéger sa vie privée.

Nothing + adjective + about.

His explanation for the missing funds was deeply suspicious.

Son explication pour les fonds manquants était profondément suspecte.

Adverb 'deeply' + adjective.

The timing of the leak was suspicious, occurring just days before the election.

Le moment de la fuite était suspect, survenant quelques jours seulement avant l'élection.

Participial phrase following the adjective.

A suspicious mind often finds trouble where none exists.

Un esprit soupçonneux trouve souvent des problèmes là où il n'y en a pas.

Adjective modifying an abstract noun.

The jury found the defendant's alibi to be suspicious and inconsistent.

Le jury a trouvé l'alibi du défendeur suspect et incohérent.

Find + object + to be + adjective.

The environmental agency is investigating the suspicious die-off of fish in the river.

L'agence environnementale enquête sur la mort suspecte de poissons dans la rivière.

Adjective modifying a compound noun.

Her suspicious nature was a byproduct of years spent in the intelligence service.

Sa nature méfiante était le produit de années passées dans les services de renseignement.

Adjective as part of a complex subject.

The document contained several suspicious erasures and alterations.

Le document contenait plusieurs ratures et altérations suspectes.

Plural nouns modified by the adjective.

He was suspicious that the entire event had been staged for his benefit.

Il soupçonnait que tout l'événement avait été mis en scène à son profit.

Suspicious + that + past perfect clause.

The lack of transparency in the negotiations made everyone suspicious.

Le manque de transparence dans les négociations a rendu tout le monde méfiant.

Make + object + adjective.

The philosophical inquiry was rooted in a suspicious attitude toward traditional metaphysics.

L'enquête philosophique était enracinée dans une attitude suspecte envers la métaphysique traditionnelle.

Abstract academic usage.

The protagonist's suspicious gaze serves as a focal point for the novel's tension.

Le regard suspect du protagoniste sert de point focal pour la tension du roman.

Literary analysis context.

The sheer volume of coincidences was enough to make even the most trusting soul suspicious.

Le simple volume de coïncidences suffisait à rendre suspecte même l'âme la plus confiante.

Superlative 'most trusting' contrasted with 'suspicious'.

Suspicious of the prevailing narrative, the journalist sought out alternative sources.

Méfiant à l'égard du récit dominant, le journaliste a cherché des sources alternatives.

Adjective phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier.

The anomalies in the cosmic microwave background radiation were initially deemed suspicious by the astrophysicists.

Les anomalies du fond diffus cosmologique ont été initialement jugées suspectes par les astrophysiciens.

Scientific/Technical context.

There is a suspicious elegance to his argument that suggests he is hiding a fundamental flaw.

Il y a une élégance suspecte dans son argument qui suggère qu'il cache un défaut fondamental.

Using 'suspicious' to describe a positive quality with negative undertones.

The culture of the organization was one of suspicious isolationism.

La culture de l'organisation était celle d'un isolationnisme suspect.

Adjective modifying a complex political/social noun.

He maintained a suspicious silence throughout the interrogation, refusing to yield even a single detail.

Il a gardé un silence suspect tout au long de l'interrogatoire, refusant de céder le moindre détail.

Adjective modifying 'silence'.

常见搭配

Suspicious activity

Suspicious circumstances

Suspicious package

Highly suspicious

Suspicious of

Suspicious look

Suspicious behavior

Suspicious mind

Deeply suspicious

Suspiciously quiet

常用短语

Treat as suspicious

Arouse suspicion

Under suspicion

Cast suspicion on

Above suspicion

Confirm a suspicion

Lurk suspiciously

Suspiciously low

Suspiciously absent

Suspiciously similar

容易混淆的词

suspicious vs Suspect

Suspect can be a noun (the person), a verb (the action), or an adjective. Suspicious is only an adjective.

suspicious vs Skeptical

Skeptical is about doubting ideas; suspicious is about doubting people or safety.

suspicious vs Wary

Wary means being careful to avoid danger; suspicious means thinking someone is doing something wrong.

习语与表达

"Smell a rat"

To suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest. It's a very common idiom for feeling suspicious.

When he asked for my password, I started to smell a rat.

Informal

"Fishy business"

Dishonest or illegal activity. It relates to the idea of something 'smelling' wrong.

There's some fishy business going on in the accounting department.

Informal

"Look askance"

To look at someone or something with suspicion or disapproval. It describes a physical look.

The traditionalists looked askance at the new modern art gallery.

Formal

"Keep a weather eye out"

To stay alert and watch for signs of trouble or change. It implies a suspicious vigilance.

Keep a weather eye out for any suspicious characters.

Neutral

"Something's afoot"

Something is happening, usually something secret or suspicious. It's often used in mysteries.

The lights are on at midnight; something's afoot.

Neutral/Literary

"Take with a grain of salt"

To be skeptical or suspicious of a statement; not to believe it completely.

Take his promises with a grain of salt; he rarely keeps them.

Neutral

"Red flag"

A sign or warning of any danger, problem, or suspicious activity.

His refusal to show his ID was a major red flag.

Neutral

"Under a cloud"

To be under suspicion or in disgrace. It implies a lingering doubt about someone.

He left the company under a cloud of suspicion regarding the missing files.

Neutral

"Raise eyebrows"

To cause surprise or mild suspicion. It's used for things that are slightly unusual.

Her sudden wealth raised a few eyebrows in the small town.

Neutral

"Suspect foul play"

To believe that a crime, especially murder, has been committed. A standard phrase in news.

The police do not suspect foul play in the accident.

Formal/News

容易混淆

suspicious vs Suspect

They look and sound similar and share the same root.

Suspect is the person police think did the crime. Suspicious is how that person or their behavior looks. You suspect someone (verb), and they are suspicious (adjective).

The suspect had a suspicious look on his face.

suspicious vs Suspicion

One is a noun and one is an adjective.

Suspicion is the feeling itself. Suspicious is the word that describes the feeling or the thing. You have a suspicion, but you are suspicious.

My suspicion was confirmed when I saw his suspicious behavior.

suspicious vs Skeptical

Both involve doubt.

Skeptical is usually about facts, theories, or claims. Suspicious is usually about people, motives, or potential danger. You are skeptical of a ghost story but suspicious of a man in your yard.

I'm skeptical of the science, but I'm suspicious of the scientist's funding.

suspicious vs Distrustful

Both mean not trusting.

Distrustful is often a general personality trait. Suspicious is usually about a specific moment or person. A distrustful person is suspicious of everyone.

He is so distrustful that he is suspicious even of his own shadow.

suspicious vs Dubious

Both mean 'doubtful'.

Dubious often describes the quality or value of something. Suspicious often describes the morality or legality of something. A dubious honor is one you might not want; a suspicious honor is one that might be a trick.

The claim was dubious, and the evidence was suspicious.

句型

Subject + be + suspicious.

The man is suspicious.

Subject + be + suspicious + of + noun.

She is suspicious of the dog.

There + be + suspicious + noun.

There was suspicious activity at the bank.

Subject + feel + suspicious + that + clause.

I feel suspicious that they are hiding something.

Adverb + suspicious.

The timing was highly suspicious.

Noun + be + deemed + suspicious.

The package was deemed suspicious.

Adjective phrase + comma + subject + verb.

Suspicious of the results, the scientist re-ran the test.

Subject + maintain + a + suspicious + noun.

He maintained a suspicious silence throughout the trial.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written English, especially in news and crime fiction.

常见错误

I have suspicious about him. → I am suspicious of him. / I have a suspicion about him.
You cannot 'have' an adjective. You 'are' an adjective or you 'have' a noun.
He is a very suspect man. → He is a very suspicious man.
While 'suspect' can be an adjective, 'suspicious' is much more common when describing a person's character or appearance.
I suspicious that he is lying. → I suspect that he is lying. / I am suspicious that he is lying.
Suspicious is not a verb. Use 'suspect' for the action of doubting.
The package was suspicious with the police. → The package was suspicious to the police. / The police were suspicious of the package.
The preposition 'with' is incorrect here. Use 'to' for the observer or 'of' for the person feeling the doubt.
She was skeptical of the suspicious man. → She was suspicious of the suspicious man.
While 'skeptical' is similar, it usually refers to ideas. If you don't trust a person's character, 'suspicious' is the better word.

小贴士

Use 'of' not 'with'

Always remember the pattern 'suspicious of'. Many learners try to use 'with' or 'at', but 'of' is the standard preposition.

The 'cious' ending

Remember that 'suspicious' ends in '-icious' just like 'delicious' and 'vicious'. This is a common spelling pattern for adjectives.

Suspicious vs. Suspect

A 'suspect' is a person the police are looking for. 'Suspicious' is how that person looks. Don't call the person 'a suspicious'!

Public Safety

If you hear 'suspicious package' in an airport, it's a serious warning. It means you should leave the area and tell security.

Know your 'sus'

It's okay to use 'sus' with friends, but using it in an essay will make your writing look unprofessional. Stick to 'suspicious'.

Intensify with 'Highly'

If you want to say something is *very* suspicious, the most natural-sounding adverb to use is 'highly'.

The 'sh' sound

The middle of the word is pronounced like 'sh'. Practice saying 'su-SPISH-us' to get the rhythm right.

Look for clues

In stories, when a character is 'suspicious,' it's a clue for the reader that something interesting is about to happen.

Gut Feeling

Being suspicious is often described as a 'gut feeling.' It's an intuition that something isn't right even if you can't explain why.

Medical/Legal Use

In professional fields, 'suspicious' has specific meanings. A 'suspicious mole' needs a biopsy; 'suspicious circumstances' need an investigation.

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'SUS-PIC-IOUS'. You 'SUS'pect a 'PIC'ture is 'IOUS' (fake/wrong). Or remember: 'Suspicious' rhymes with 'Delicious,' but if a meal looks suspicious, it probably isn't delicious!

视觉联想

Imagine a person wearing a trench coat and sunglasses, looking over their shoulder in a dark alley. This is the classic 'suspicious character.'

Word Web

Doubt Mistrust Police Mystery Fishy Wary Skeptical Crime

挑战

Try to use 'suspicious' three times today: once for a person, once for an object, and once for a feeling you have. Write them in your journal.

词源

Derived from the Latin word 'suspiciosus,' which comes from 'suspicere.' The Latin root 'sub-' means 'under' and 'specere' means 'to look.' So, the literal meaning is 'to look from under' or 'to look at secretly.'

原始含义： In Middle English, it originally meant 'deserving of suspicion' or 'exciting suspicion.' Over time, it expanded to include the feeling of the person doing the suspecting.

Indo-European -> Italic -> Latin -> Old French -> Middle English.

文化背景

Be aware that calling a person 'suspicious' can be a serious accusation. In some contexts, it can imply criminal intent, so use it carefully.

In the UK, the 'See it, Say it, Sorted' campaign is a very famous use of the concept of suspicion in public transport.

The song 'Suspicious Minds' by Elvis Presley, about a relationship failing due to lack of trust. The game 'Among Us' where players identify 'sus' imposters. Sherlock Holmes stories, where Holmes often identifies 'suspicious' details others miss.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Banking and Finance

Suspicious transaction
Flag as suspicious
Report suspicious activity
Suspicious account behavior

Law Enforcement

Suspicious person
Suspicious circumstances
Treat as suspicious
Suspicious death

Personal Relationships

Suspicious of a partner
Suspicious look
Arouse suspicion
Suspicious mind

Cybersecurity

Suspicious link
Suspicious email
Detect suspicious login
Suspicious software

Public Safety

Suspicious package
Report suspicious behavior
Suspicious item
Suspicious unattended bag

对话开场白

"Have you ever seen anything suspicious in your neighborhood?"

"Are you suspicious of news you see on social media?"

"What is the most suspicious thing that has ever happened to you?"

"Do you think it's better to be too suspicious or too trusting?"

"What would you do if you found a suspicious package at a bus stop?"

日记主题

Describe a time when you were suspicious of someone and you were right.

Write about a situation that looked suspicious but turned out to be perfectly normal.

How does being suspicious protect us in the modern digital world?

Reflect on whether you have a 'suspicious mind' or if you are generally trusting.

Imagine you are a detective. Describe a suspicious crime scene in detail.

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 'suspicious' is an adjective, not a verb. You should say 'I suspect him' or 'I am suspicious of him.' Using the adjective as a verb is a common mistake for learners.

Both are used, but 'suspicious of' is much more common and generally considered more correct in formal English. For example, 'I am suspicious of his motives' is better than 'I am suspicious about his motives.'

'Sus' is a slang abbreviation of 'suspicious' or 'suspect.' It became very popular because of the game 'Among Us.' While it is used widely in casual speech and on the internet, you should never use it in formal writing or professional situations.

Yes! An object is suspicious if it looks like it might be dangerous or part of a crime. A 'suspicious package' is a common phrase used by security and police.

The plural of the noun 'suspicion' is 'suspicions.' However, 'suspicious' is an adjective and does not have a plural form. You would say 'suspicious people,' not 'suspiciouses.'

Almost always. It implies a lack of trust, a fear of danger, or a belief that something is wrong. However, being suspicious can be a positive trait if it helps you avoid a scam or stay safe.

It means 'very suspicious.' 'Highly' is a common adverb used to add emphasis to 'suspicious,' especially when talking about timing or behavior.

No, the correct preposition is 'of.' You are suspicious *of* someone. You might look *at* someone suspiciously, but you are not suspicious *at* them.

A 'suspicious mind' refers to a person's tendency to doubt others or look for hidden, negative motives. It's also the title of a famous Elvis Presley song about jealousy in a relationship.

The most direct opposites are 'trusting' (for a person) or 'innocent' and 'normal' (for a situation). If something is not suspicious, it is 'above suspicion' or 'unsuspicious.'