sospette

Sospette is the feminine plural form of the Italian adjective sospetto, meaning “suspicious” or “doubtful.” It is used to describe feminine plural nouns and agrees in gender and number with them. For example, circostanze sospette (suspicious circumstances) or donne sospette (suspicious women). The corresponding masculine forms are sospetto (singular), sospetti (masculine plural), and the feminine singular is sospetta.

As a general rule, sospette functions as an adjective rather than a standalone noun. The standard noun for the notion of suspicion is sospetto, with the plural sospetti. When describing events, people, or situations that raise doubts or concern, sospette is commonly found in journalistic, legal, or descriptive contexts. It can carry a nuanced evaluative tone, signaling that something is not clearly legitimate or trustworthy.

Etymology traces sospetto to Latin suspectus, through the evolution of Italian sospetto. The feminine plural sospette shares its form with other Italian adjectives that end in -etto and adopt -ette in the feminine plural.

Usage notes: because the term describes perception or judgment, its application depends on context and tone. While widespread in everyday speech, it is most precise in contexts where gendered agreement is required, such as discussing feminine subjects or groups.

In summary, sospette is the feminine plural adjective meaning “suspicious,” used to modify feminine plural nouns, with its noun counterpart typically being sospetto in singular or sospetti in masculine plural.