Gullibility: meaning, definitions and examples
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gullibility
[ˌɡʌlɪˈbɪləti ]
Definition
lack of skepticism
Gullibility is the tendency to believe anything without questioning it, often leading to being easily deceived or tricked.
Synonyms
credulity, naivety, trustfulness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gullibility |
This word is generally used when someone is easily deceived or tricked, often with a negative implication.
|
| credulity |
This term is often used in more formal contexts to describe a tendency to believe things too readily without sufficient evidence.
|
| naivety |
This word is used to describe innocence or a lack of experience and sophistication. It can be either neutral or slightly negative depending on the context.
|
| trustfulness |
This term has a positive connotation and is used to describe a willingness to trust others.
|
Examples of usage
- She fell for the scam due to her gullibility.
- His gullibility made him an easy target for con artists.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'gullible' stems from the verb 'gull', which means to deceive or cheat. The word 'gull' itself is thought to come from the 16th century.
- The term has been in use since at least the early 17th century, often referring to those who can be easily swindled or misled.
Psychology
- Studies show that people who are more trusting and optimistic tend to exhibit higher levels of gullibility, as they often believe the best in others.
- Cognitive biases, such as the confirmation bias, can make individuals more susceptible to manipulation by reinforcing their existing beliefs.
Social Dynamics
- Gullibility can sometimes stem from a desire for social acceptance, where individuals may go along with misleading information to fit in.
- Situational contexts, like high-pressure environments or emotional stress, can increase a person's gullibility, making them more easily tricked.
Pop Culture
- Gullibility is a popular theme in literature and films, often portrayed through characters who are easily duped, reinforcing the awareness of critical thinking.
- The phrase 'You’ve been gullible!' has become a common playful expression in pranks, emphasizing its ingrained presence in society.
Education
- Teaching critical thinking skills at a young age can help reduce gullibility, as children learn to question and analyze the information they encounter.
- Educational programs often emphasize media literacy, which is essential in today's information age where misinformation is rampant.
Translations
Translations of the word "gullibility" in other languages:
🇵🇹 credulidade
🇮🇳 गुलिबिलिटी
🇩🇪 Leichtgläubigkeit
🇮🇩 kegulungan
🇺🇦 легковірність
🇵🇱 łatwowierność
🇯🇵 騙されやすさ
🇫🇷 crédule
🇪🇸 credulidad
🇹🇷 saflık
🇰🇷 잘 속음
🇸🇦 سذاجة
🇨🇿 důvěřivost
🇸🇰 dôverčivosť
🇨🇳 轻信
🇸🇮 lahkovernost
🇮🇸 trúgirni
🇰🇿 сенгіштік
🇬🇪 მოსატყუებელი
🇦🇿 sadəlövhlük
🇲🇽 credulidad