What does credulously mean?
"Credulously" is an adverb describing the way someone believes things too readily, accepting claims without the evidence or scrutiny they deserve. A person who listens credulously to a far-fetched story nods along, asks no questions, and takes every word at face value. The term derives from the Latin "credulus," meaning "believing easily," itself rooted in "credere," to believe or trust — the same root that gives English words like "credible," "credence," and "credit." Because of this heritage, the word carries an implicit judgment: to behave credulously is to extend trust that hasn't been earned. It is most at home in formal or written registers, appearing frequently in discussions of deception, persuasion, journalism, and fraud, where a victim's credulous acceptance of a claim explains how a con succeeded. Its opposite, "incredulously," describes the very different stance of refusing to believe.
adverbIn a manner that shows a willingness to believe things too readily and without sufficient evidence; gullibly.
- Believing something too readily, without adequate evidence or critical thought.
"He nodded credulously as the salesman spun his tale about the miracle gadget."
"She listened credulously to the stranger's elaborate story about buried treasure."
"Investors who act credulously in fast-moving markets often become easy targets for fraudsters."
The Latin root of "credulously" is the same one that gives us "credit" — so when you believe something credulously, you're literally extending someone credit without checking their balance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of credulously
Credulously comes from the adjective "credulous," borrowed into English in the late 16th or early 17th century from Latin "credulus," meaning "easily believing." The Latin word derives from "credere," "to believe or entrust," the same verb underlying English "credible," "credence," "credentials," and "credit." The adverb formed regularly with the suffix "-ly" once the adjective was established.
Related word forms
How credulously is actually used
The word carries a mildly negative connotation, implying not just trust but a lack of the healthy skepticism one ought to exercise. It is somewhat formal or literary in register; everyday speech more often uses "naively" or describes someone as "falling for it."
Easily confused with credulously
"Credulously" means believing something too readily, while "incredulously" means expressing disbelief or skepticism.