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.”

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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.

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For some residents, though, that has stretched credulity.

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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.”

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

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Related Words

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