credulity

[kruh-doo-li-tee, -dyoo-]

noun

1. willingness to believe or trust too readily, especially without proper or adequate evidence; gullibility.

credulity

/ krɪˈdjuːlɪtɪ /

noun

1. disposition to believe something on little evidence; gullibility

Other Word Forms

• overcredulity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of credulity¹

1375–1425; late Middle English credulite < Latin crēdulitās. See credulous, -ity

Example Sentences

Frost, a founding partner of Frost LLP, called the allegations “vile” and “false” and said “numerous aspects of the complaint ... defy credulity.”

From Los Angeles Times

One former England coach previously suggested to me that Australia were genetically superior, a statement that would perhaps test the credulity of most evolutionary scientists.

From BBC

For some residents, though, that has stretched credulity.

From BBC

She had testified as an expert for Franklin’s defense team, and said she found the courtroom “awash in credulity” about “the mythic powers of repression.”

From Los Angeles Times

What happens in “Dido of Idaho” sometimes strains credulity.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acceptance 
• belief 
• confidence 
• conviction 
• hope 
• loyalty 
• truth