trustfulness
/'trʌstfulnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
A child shows trustfulness by holding a parent's hand while crossing the street.
Definition
Noun: The quality or state of being inclined to believe that others are honest, sincere, and reliable; a disposition to place confidence in others without suspicion or doubt.
Usage
"Trustfulness" is an uncountable noun that describes a personal trait or characteristic. It refers to a general tendency or disposition, not a single act of trusting. It is often used in psychological, social, or character discussions.
Examples
- Her inherent trustfulness made her an easy target for the scam.
- The child's innocent trustfulness in adults was heartwarming.
- He spoke with a sincerity that restored my lost trustfulness.
- Cynicism had slowly eroded her natural trustfulness.
Advanced Usage
- Conceptual Use: The term can be used abstractly to discuss the erosion or preservation of this trait in society.
- The novel explores the conflict between necessary caution and naive trustfulness.
- In Contrast: Often used in contrast with traits like skepticism, wariness, or cynicism.
- His initial trustfulness gradually gave way to a prudent wariness.
Variants and Related Words
- Trustful (adjective): Having or showing a tendency to trust others.
- She gave him a trustful smile.
- Trusting (adjective): Synonym for "trustful."
- Trust (noun): The firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. (Note: "Trust" is the broader concept, while "trustfulness" is the specific trait of being prone to that belief.)
Synonyms
- Trustingness
- Gullibility (often carries a negative connotation of being too easily deceived)
- Credulity (often implies a readiness to believe especially on slight evidence)
Antonyms
- Distrustfulness
- Mistrust
- Suspicion
- Wariness
- Cynicism
Related Idioms/Phrases
- To take someone at face value: To accept someone or something as they appear, without questioning their honesty or validity. This action exemplifies trustfulness.
- His trustfulness meant he always took people at face value.
A child shows trustfulness by holding a parent's hand while crossing the street.
Noun
- the trait of believing in the honesty and reliability of others
- the experience destroyed his trust and personal dignity