Credible vs Credulous
credible
believable
credulous
gullible/too trusting
How to tell them apart
crediBLE = aBLE to be believed (believABLE claim). credULOUS = a person too fULl of trust, like gULlible. -ible = the claim is believable; -ulous = the person is gullible.
Test yourself
Which word fits from context? Pick one, then reveal the answer. This is exactly how the GRE tests these pairs.
Question 1
Because the witness offered specific dates, corroborating documents, and consistent testimony, the jury found her account entirely .
Choose: credible or credulous
Show answer
Answer: credible
"corroborating documents, consistent testimony" support believability = credible; credulous (gullible) describes a trusting person, not an account, so it is wrong.
Question 2
So was the young heir that swindlers found him an easy mark, trusting every fantastical promise they made.
Choose: credible or credulous
Show answer
Answer: credulous
"an easy mark, trusting every fantastical promise" signals gullibility = credulous; credible (believable) does not fit a person being deceived.
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