adjective Common

trusted

TRUHS-tihd

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Trusted (adjective) means Regarded as reliable and honest; relied upon with confidence. Example: “We hired a trusted plumber that our neighbours had recommended for years.”

adjective

Regarded as reliable and honest; relied upon with confidence.

"We hired a trusted plumber that our neighbours had recommended for years."

"She's a trusted advisor who has worked with the family for twenty years."

"Always download software from a trusted source."

How to use trusted

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone or something people have confidence in because they've proven reliable.

Common mistake

Don't mix it up with "trustworthy" — "trusted" describes something people already do trust (an established relationship), while "trustworthy" describes something deserving of trust, even if untested.

Easily confused with

trustworthy →

Common pairings

a trusted friend a trusted source a trusted brand trusted advisor

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more trusted
Superlative: most trusted

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We hired a _____ plumber that our neighbours had recommended for years.

Etymology

Past participle of "trust," from Old Norse traust ("confidence, firmness"), used since the 1300s in English as an adjective describing something or someone reliable.

Origin: Old Norse · First attested 1300

Class of 1300 trusted joined the language around 1300.

against bum curry ha satchel

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Synonyms

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reliable dependable trustworthy reputable faithful tried-and-true sure

Antonyms

untrustworthy

Related words

sure bad yes true yeah close safe religious

Rhymes for trusted

busted rusted adjusted disgusted exhausted

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Frequently asked questions

What does “trusted” mean?

The word “trusted” means regarded as reliable and honest; relied upon with confidence. In plain terms, someone or something people have confidence in because they've proven reliable.

How do you pronounce “trusted”?

“Trusted” is pronounced TRUHS-tihd (/ˈtɹʌstɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “trusted” in a sentence?

Here is “trusted” used in a sentence: “She's a trusted advisor who has worked with the family for twenty years.”

What part of speech is “trusted”?

“Trusted” is an adjective.

Where does the word “trusted” come from?

The word “trusted” dates back to around 1300 and comes from Old Norse. Past participle of "trust," from Old Norse traust ("confidence, firmness"), used since the 1300s in English as an adjective describing something or someone reliable.

Is “trusted” a common word?

“Trusted” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between "trusted" and "trustworthy"?

"Trusted" describes someone or something that is actually relied upon with confidence, as in "a trusted adviser," focusing on the trust already given. "Trustworthy" describes someone who deserves to be trusted because they are reliable and honest, whether or not that trust has yet been placed.

What nouns commonly go with "trusted"?

"Trusted" often appears in phrases such as "a trusted friend," "a trusted adviser," "a trusted source," and "a trusted brand." In each case it means the person or thing is regarded as reliable and honest and relied upon with confidence.

Is "trusted" an adjective or a past tense verb?

"Trusted" can be both. As an adjective it means regarded as reliable and honest, as in "a trusted colleague," and as the past tense of "trust" it describes the act, as in "she trusted him completely."

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