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credulous

adjective

/kredʒʊləs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of credulous

Easily willing to believe or accept something without questioning or applying critical thinking.
"The credulous child believed every story told to them without question."

Detailed meaning of credulous

It implies a tendency to trust others or information too readily, often without sufficient evidence or skepticism. A credulous individual is inclined to accept claims, stories, or ideas at face value, without scrutinizing their validity or seeking additional verification. This trait can make someone susceptible to manipulation, deception, or exploitation by others who take advantage of their trusting nature. Credulousness can manifest in various contexts, such as gullibility in matters of superstition, susceptibility to scams or hoaxes, or a propensity to be swayed by persuasive rhetoric without engaging in critical analysis. It is important for individuals to exercise discernment and evaluate information carefully to avoid being overly credulous and falling prey to misinformation or deceit.

Example sentences containing credulous

1. He was a credulous investor, easily swayed by promises of high returns.
2. The scam artist targeted credulous individuals who were quick to believe his false promises.
3. She had a credulous nature, often falling for exaggerated claims and misinformation.
4. The tabloid relied on a credulous readership that eagerly embraced sensationalist stories.
5. Despite the lack of evidence, some people remained credulous about the existence of supernatural phenomena.
6. The politician took advantage of the credulous voters, making extravagant promises with no intention of fulfilling them.

History and etymology of credulous

The term 'credulous' derives its etymology from the Latin word 'credulus,' which in turn is linked to 'credere,' meaning 'to believe' or 'to trust.' The suffix '-ulous' in 'credulous' serves to form an adjective, implying a disposition or tendency toward a particular quality. Therefore, the etymology of 'credulous' reveals its roots in the concept of trust or belief, highlighting the inclination of individuals who are prone to accepting information without skepticism or critical examination. This etymological insight sheds light on the word's meaning and conveys the idea of a readiness to believe without questioning, which characterizes those described as 'credulous.'

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Further usage examples of credulous

1. The charlatan exploited the credulous crowd by selling them useless and overpriced products.
2. His credulous mindset made him susceptible to conspiracy theories and unfounded rumors.
3. The self-proclaimed psychic relied on the credulousness of her clients to profit from their desperation.
4. The internet is filled with misinformation, and the credulous often fall victim to its allure.
5. The cult leader manipulated the credulous followers by appealing to their fears and offering false hope.
6. The credulous child believed in fairy tales with unwavering faith.
7. Some scam artists prey on credulous individuals for quick gains.
8. Her credulous nature made her susceptible to conspiracy theories.
9. Credulous people tend to fall for internet hoaxes and misinformation.
10. He was often taken advantage of due to his credulous disposition.
11. Credulous investors fell for the fraudulent scheme hook, line, and sinker.
12. The cult leader manipulated the credulous followers with false promises.
13. Credulous consumers often fall for deceptive marketing tactics.
14. Critical thinking can protect against credulous acceptance of myths.
15. The con artist exploited the credulous tourist's trust.
16. Credulous students accepted the rumor without verifying facts.
17. Credulous voters were swayed by empty campaign promises.
18. A credulous approach to medicine can lead to dangerous choices.
19. Credulous individuals readily believe in paranormal phenomena.
20. The credulous audience applauded the magician's impossible tricks.
21. She grew less credulous as life taught her to be more skeptical.
22. Credulous individuals are vulnerable to persuasive manipulation.
23. The credulous employee fell for the phishing email scam.
24. Credulous readers devoured the sensationalist tabloid stories.
25. Education can help people become less credulous and more discerning.