Showing results for "trusting"

• present participle of trust.

trusting

American  

[truhs-ting] / ˈtrʌs tɪŋ /

adjective

1. inclined to trust; confiding; trustful.

   a trusting child.

   Synonyms:

   unwary, naive, innocent, unsuspicious

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Other Word Forms

• trustingness
  noun
• nontrusting
  adjective
• self-trusting
  adjective
• untrusting
  adjective
• trustingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of trusting

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English; trust + -ing ²

Explanation

If you're trusting, you tend to believe what people tell you. A trusting friend will tell you her deepest secrets and trust that you'll keep them to yourself. Use the adjective trusting to describe people who always see the best in others. A trusting child believes everything you tell him and follows where you lead. A trusting dog will follow your commands and stick by your side. The verb trust means "to believe or have faith," and both words come from the Old Norse traust, "help or confidence," and are closely related to the Old English treowe, "have faith or confidence."

Example Sentences

But what he needed to do most was throw more strikes, trusting that his lively fastball and curve were good enough to beat the best players in the world.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 22, 2026

Having developed a trusting relationship with Yarrow in his solo shoot, Haaland - "the unofficial voice of the team" - was keen to involve the photographer in their World Cup preparations.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

They’re less trusting of humans than Miguel, which is just fine with zoo managers: That’s normal capybara behavior.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

The absurdist’s power rests in their ability to befuddle and bewilder, trusting the joke will land with the right folks and insult their target’s intelligence.

From Salon • May 21, 2026

Much safer than trusting me, than believing in some future Oak.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black