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

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

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

"Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture," the 23-year-old Swiss-Ghanian singer said at the time.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

“In terms of trusting me, let me say this, I left my business 14 years ago, and anybody who cared about money would not have done it,” Steyer said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

It forbids therapists from insisting on spreading their personal views through confidential, sensitive conversations with trusting minors happening behind closed doors.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

The scramble comes after many businesses in the Gulf dropped war-risk cover in recent years to reduce their premiums, brokers said, trusting the region’s reputation as a haven from political turmoil.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

Yet Maggie, Kate, and Leah’s “whole deportment exhibited … frankness and sincerity …” Greeley found himself trusting these sisters.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock