Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things; gullible and easily deceived.
From Latin 'credulus,' from 'credere' (to believe). The suffix '-ulous' suggests an excessive tendency, so credulous means 'too believing.'
Credulous people give their 'credit' (belief) too easily - they're like someone who hands out credit cards to anyone who asks. They believe without proper verification.
Historically feminized: 'credulous' linked to women as gullible, emotional, and easily deceived (see 'hysterical woman' archetype). Renaissance and Victorian literature weaponized credulity as inherent female weakness.
Use for individuals regardless of gender. Avoid applying selectively to women or groups.
["gullible","trusting","uncritical"]
Women philosophers (Hypatia, Margaret Cavendish) challenged credulous reasoning with rigorous logic; recognize female contributions to skepticism and rationality.
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