Credulous

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈkrɛd.jʊ.ləs/

Definitions

• Credulous (adjective): Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things; gullible.
• Credulous (adjective): Easily deceived or tricked due to a lack of skepticism or critical thinking.

Usage Examples

• She was so credulous that she believed every conspiracy theory she heard.
• His credulous nature made him an easy target for marketing scams.
• The credulous man accepted the salesperson's pitch without hesitation.

Etymology

From Latin "credulus," meaning "easily believed," from "credere" meaning "to believe." The word "credulous" was first used in English in the late 16th century to describe someone who was prone to believe things without question.

Synonyms

• Gullible
• Naive
• Trusting
• Dupable
• Believing

Antonyms

• Skeptical
• Disbelieving
• Cynical
• Suspicious
• Critical

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "credulous" is often pronounced with a slightly harder "d" sound: /ˈkrɛd.jʊ.ləs/.
• In American English, it may be pronounced with a more relaxed vowel sound, /ˈkrɛd.jə.ləs/.
• In India, the pronunciation might slightly vary, especially in non-native speakers, with an emphasis on the first syllable.

Historical Usage

First recorded in the late 16th century, "credulous" was often used with a critical tone to describe people who were easily duped. It has historically carried a connotation of naïveté or lack of discernment. Over time, its use has expanded to refer to any excessively trusting or believing individual, particularly in the context of scams and misinformation.

Cultural Nuances

In certain cultures, being "credulous" may be seen as a virtue, particularly in social contexts where trust and community are important. However, in more skeptical or individualistic societies, credulity is often viewed as a weakness or flaw, associated with gullibility or ignorance. In the digital age, the term has gained more relevance as people navigate a sea of misinformation and deceptive practices.

More Information

The word "credulous" describes a person who is inclined to believe others without questioning. It is a trait often seen in individuals who lack skepticism, either due to their nature or cultural upbringing. While trust is important in many aspects of life, being credulous can sometimes lead to negative consequences, such as falling for scams or misinformation. Developing a healthy balance of trust and skepticism is essential for navigating the complexities of modern life. People who are credulous may need to develop better critical thinking skills to avoid being easily misled, especially in the age of information overload.