credulous

/ˈkrɛdʒələs/

/ˈkrɛdʒələs/

People who believe things easily without having to be convinced are credulous. Sales people are always hoping that someone credulous picks up the phone during a sales call.

Credulous comes from the 16th-century Latin credulus, or "easily believes." A synonym for credulous is gullible, and both terms describe a person who accepts something willingly without a lot of supporting facts. Calling someone credulous can imply that the person is naive and simple. An individual isn't necessarily insulted by being called credulous, though, because some objects of belief, like religions and unicorns, come with a willing leap of faith for believing in what is unseen.

Definitions of credulous

1. adjective

   showing a lack of judgment or experience
   “so credulous he believes everything he reads”

   synonyms:

   naif, naive

   marked by or showing unaffected simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience
2. adjective

   disposed to believe on little evidence
   “the gimmick would convince none but the most credulous”

   synonyms:

   credible

   (a common but incorrect usage where `credulous' would be appropriate) credulous

   overcredulous

   too credulous for your own good

   unquestioning

   not inclined to ask questions

   naif, naive

   marked by or showing unaffected simplicity and lack of guile or worldly experience

   trustful, trusting

   inclined to believe or confide readily; full of trust

   antonyms:

   incredulous

   not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving

   incredible, unbelievable

   beyond belief or understanding

   disbelieving, sceptical, skeptical, unbelieving

   denying or questioning the tenets of especially a religion

   distrustful

   having or showing distrust