noun
credulity
kri-DOO-luh-tee/krɪˈduːləti/
Readiness to believe things too easily.
The buyer's credulity lets the vendor pass off a painted pebble as precious.
Etymology
The pieces name the quality of believing readily. English credulity once meant simply faith or belief, but developed the critical sense of believing too easily while disregarding evidence.
In context
where everything was based on credulity Superstition everybody willing to believe everything nasty that was said
More examples
- Her credulity makes her accept every rumor as fact.
- Even his credulity has limits when a story sounds impossible.
- A little skepticism helps protect us from our own credulity.
Forms
credulous adjective — Too ready to accept things as true.
credulously adverb — With too little doubt or questioning.
Similar words
- gullibility
- Emphasizes being easily tricked or deceived by other people.
- naivete
- Suggests inexperience or innocence rather than overly ready belief.