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

“It kind of beggars credulity that that number of complaints could be raised and that none could be substantiated,” Johnson said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For all his acknowledged literary discernment, it is Cowley’s political credulity that has marked his reputation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But this particular situation stretches one’s credulity to the brink.

Read more on Salon

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

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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