credulousness
/kri'dju:liti/ Cách viết khác : (credulousness) /'kredjuləsnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: The quality or state of being credulous; a tendency to believe something too readily without proper evidence or critical thought, making one easily deceived or tricked.
Usage
"Credulousness" is a formal noun used to describe a person's characteristic or a general state of being overly trusting. It implies a lack of skepticism or critical judgment. It is often used in contexts discussing psychology, behavior, fraud, or manipulation.
Examples
- His credulousness made him an easy target for the scam artist's promises of easy wealth.
- The politician exploited the public's credulousness with simplistic answers to complex problems.
- A healthy dose of skepticism is necessary to counteract one's natural credulousness.
Advanced Usage
- Exploitation of Credulousness: This phrase is often used in sociological or critical analyses to describe how systems or individuals take advantage of a group's trusting nature.
- The marketing campaign was a clear exploitation of the audience's credulousness regarding celebrity endorsements.
Variants and Related Words
- Credulous (adjective): Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things.
- Credulity (noun): A near synonym for "credulousness," often used interchangeably, though "credulity" can sometimes refer more to the capacity for belief itself.
Synonyms
- Gullibility
- Naivety / Naiveté
- Trustfulness (though this is more neutral)
- Unskeptical nature
Antonyms
- Skepticism
- Incredulity
- Doubt
- Wariness
- Cynicism (in some contexts)
Related Phrases and Concepts
- To prey on someone's credulousness: To target and exploit someone's trusting nature.
- Fraudsters often prey on the credulousness of the elderly.
- A mark of credulousness: A sign or indicator of being too easily convinced.
- Accepting such an outlandish claim without proof is a mark of credulousness.
Noun
- tendency to believe too readily and therefore to be easily deceived