credulity
What does "credulity" mean?
Credulity is the tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true. It paints the mental image of someone who accepts information at face value without questioning the evidence, often leaving them vulnerable to deception or manipulation. This word carries a slightly critical tone, implying a lack of healthy skepticism or critical thinking. It is most frequently used in academic, journalistic, or analytical contexts to describe why people fall for scams, rumors, or unrealistic promises.
"credulity" in conversation
Discussing a viral hoax
I can't believe people are still sharing that fake news link.
I can't believe people are still sharing that fake news link.
It really tests my faith in human credulity.
It really tests my faith in human credulity.
Used here to express frustration with how easily people are fooled.
Analyzing a business failure
The investors ignored every red flag in the financial report.
The investors ignored every red flag in the financial report.
Their sheer credulity regarding the CEO's promises was their downfall.
Their sheer credulity regarding the CEO's promises was their downfall.
Highlights the danger of blind trust in a professional setting.
"credulity" in a sentence
Children often display a natural credulity toward fairy tales.
Children often display a natural credulity toward fairy tales.
The salesman preyed upon the credulity of the elderly residents.
The salesman preyed upon the credulity of the elderly residents.
His inherent credulity made him an easy target for the sophisticated phishing scheme.
His inherent credulity made him an easy target for the sophisticated phishing scheme.
