Gullibly: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone is easily fooled or deceived, often in a negative sense. It suggests a lack of critical thinking or awareness.

• She gullibly believed the scammer and lost her savings

Used when someone has a simple and innocent view of the world, without understanding its complexities or dangers. It often suggests a lack of experience.

• She naively thought everyone she met was genuinely kind

Used when someone believes things with little evidence or proof, often in a naive manner. It implies an innocent and unquestioning trust.

• He listened credulously to the tall tales about aliens

Used when someone places their trust in someone or something freely and without suspicion. It can be positive or neutral, depending on the outcome.

• The child looked up at his mother trustingly

See above entry for 'gullibly'.

Used for someone who is inexperienced or lacking in worldly wisdom, often leading them to believe or trust too easily, but not necessarily in a negative light.

• Her naive view of the world led her to trust the wrong people.
• He was naive when he first started his job, unaware of office politics.

Suitable for describing someone who believes things too easily without enough evidence, often seen as a negative trait.

• The credulous audience fell for the magician's tricks.
• His credulous nature made him an easy target for fraudsters.

Describes someone who has a tendency to trust others easily, usually in a positive or neutral manner, emphasizing the belief in the goodness of others.

• Children are naturally trustful of their parents.
• She has a trustful heart, always seeing the best in people.