Credulity: meaning, definitions and examples
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credulity
[ krɪˈdjuːlɪti ]
lack of skepticism
Credulity is the tendency to believe something too quickly, without enough evidence or skepticism. It is often associated with gullibility and naivety.
Synonyms
gullibility, naivety, trustfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| credulity |
Used to describe a tendency to believe things too quickly without sufficient evidence, often in a general or academic context.
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| gullibility |
Used when emphasizing a person's susceptibility to being easily deceived or tricked, often in a critical or negative context.
|
| naivety |
Used to describe innocence or lack of experience and sophistication, often in a context that is less critical and can even be sympathetic.
|
| trustfulness |
Used in a positive or neutral context to describe a natural tendency to trust others, often implying a sense of inherent goodness or innocence.
|
Examples of usage
- Her credulity led her to fall for the scam.
- Don't mistake credulity for open-mindedness.
easily deceived
Credulity can also refer to a person's readiness to believe in something that is not true, making them easily deceived or manipulated.
Synonyms
gullibility, naivety, trustfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| credulity |
Used when referring to a general tendency to believe things too quickly or without sufficient evidence, often in serious or formal contexts.
|
| gullibility |
Implied in contexts where someone is easily fooled or deceived. It often has a slightly negative or critical tone.
|
| naivety |
Refers to a lack of experience or sophistication, typically in situations where someone is innocent or unaware of complexities. Generally used in everyday or literary contexts.
|
| trustfulness |
Describes a general disposition to trust others, often used in a positive or neutral way.
|
Examples of usage
- His credulity made him an easy target for con artists.
- The cult leader preyed on the credulity of his followers.
Translations
Translations of the word "credulity" in other languages:
🇵🇹 credulidade
🇮🇳 विश्वासशीलता
🇩🇪 Leichtgläubigkeit
🇮🇩 kekredulan
🇺🇦 довірливість
🇵🇱 łatwowierność
🇯🇵 軽信
🇫🇷 crédulité
🇪🇸 credulidad
🇹🇷 saflık
🇰🇷 쉽게 믿음
🇸🇦 سذاجة
🇨🇿 důvěřivost
🇸🇰 dôverčivosť
🇨🇳 轻信
🇸🇮 lahkovernost
🇮🇸 trúgirni
🇰🇿 сенгіштік
🇬🇪 დამიჯერებლობა
🇦🇿 saflıq
🇲🇽 credulidad
Etymology
The word 'credulity' originates from the Latin word 'credulus', meaning 'easily deceived'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe the trait of being too quick to believe. Credulity is often seen as a negative trait, as it can lead to being misled or taken advantage of.