Credulous
hardNegative toneKREJ-uh-lus
adjective
Definition
Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things
Memory hook
CRED-ulous: Gives CREDIT (belief) to everything -- too easily fooled.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The credulous tourists fell for the scam easily.”
“Don't be so credulous; always verify information.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ tourists fell for the scam easily.”
Show answer
credulous
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Credulous is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "gullible" or "naive" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "skeptical".
Related GRE Words
gullible
Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
ingenuous
Innocent and unsuspecting; candid and sincere
disabuse
to free someone from a mistaken belief or illusion
disinterested
free from bias or self-interest; impartial
exculpate
to clear from blame or guilt
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