Credulous
Adjective
Definition: Willing to believe or trust too readily, especially without proper or adequate evidence; gullible.
Synonyms: Trusting, Naive, Unsuspecting
Antonyms: Skeptical, Cautious, Suspicious
- The credulous child believed everything his older brother told him.
- Sarah's credulous nature made her an easy target for scams and hoaxes.
- "Credulous" sounds like "credible," but it actually means the opposite. Think of it as someone who is too quick to believe.
- Imagine a person with wide open eyes, eagerly accepting anything they are told.
Etymology:
The word "credulous" comes from the Latin word "credulus," which means "believing." It can be traced back to the late 16th century.
Historical Usage:The term "credulous" has been used consistently throughout history to describe individuals who are inclined to believe things without sufficient evidence or critical thinking.
Related Idioms:
"Credulous as a child"
Explanation:This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely trusting and easily persuaded, similar to how young children often believe everything they are told.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "credulous" with "credible."
Explanation:While "credible" means believable or reliable, "credulous" refers to a person who is too willing to believe things without much evidence. These two words have different meanings, even though they sound similar.