WordValecredulous
too ready to believe things
In more detail
1. (adjective) too willing to believe things; easily tricked or deceived because you don't question what people tell you
Examples
- 1. He was so credulous that he believed every story his friend told him, even the obviously false ones.
How to use credulous
Credulous describes someone who tends to believe things without sufficient evidence or critical examination. It carries a negative or mildly disapproving tone, suggesting a lack of judgment rather than simple kindness or openness. It differs from naive in being more specifically about susceptibility to deception rather than lack of worldly experience.
Common phrases
- credulous audience
- credulous public
- credulous listener
- credulous person
- too credulous
Synonyms
gullible · naive · trusting · unsuspecting · easily fooled
Opposites
skeptical · cynical · discerning
Word family
credulity (noun) · credulously (adverb) · incredulous (adjective - antonym)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse credulous (too willing to believe) with incredible or incredulous (unwilling to believe or expressing disbelief), which are nearly opposite in meaning.
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