Credible vs Credulous: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Credible" means believable or trustworthy, while "credulous" means easily believing.
Memory Tip: credible = believable, credulous = gullible
credible has /ˈkrɛdɪbəl/, credulous has /ˈkrɛdʒələs/
credible
adjectiveCredible refers to the quality of being trusted and believed in, particularly in contexts where evidence, authority, or expertise is required to support claims or assertions; it implies a degree of reliability and validity that is essential for the accept
Example:
The journalist presented a credible source, which provided substantial evidence to support the claims made in the investigative report.
Common patterns:
credible source
credible evidence
credible testimony
credulous /ˈkrɛdʒələs/
adjectiveCredulous means too willing to believe things without sufficient evidence or skepticism.
Example:
Despite his advanced degree in psychology, Dr. Thompson remained surprisingly credulous when it came to believing in the supernatural claims of his patients, often accepting their stories without question.
Common patterns:
credulous nature
credulous audience
credulous mind
Common Mistakes
She is so credible that she believes every story she hears.
She is so credulous that she believes every story she hears.
The word 'credulous' is correct because it describes someone who easily believes things.
The witness gave a credulous testimony that convinced the jury.
The witness gave a credible testimony that convinced the jury.
The word 'credible' is correct because it describes something that is believable or trustworthy.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. The journalist presented a ____ source, which provided substantial evidence to support the claims made in the investigative report.
2. Despite his advanced degree in psychology, Dr. Thompson remained surprisingly ____ when it came to believing in the supernatural claims of his patients, often accepting their stories without question.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse credible / credulous again
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