Gullible
ˈɡʌləbl̩
Definitions
Easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.
ˈɡʌləbl̩
The con artist preyed on gullible tourists.
💡 Simply: Think of someone who believes anything you tell them, like if you said, "There's a magical tree that grows candy!" and they believed it. They're gullible, meaning they trust easily.
👶 For kids: Someone who believes everything you tell them, even if it's not true.
More Examples
She was too gullible to realize he was lying.
His gullible nature made him an easy target for scams.
The advertisement was aimed at gullible consumers.
How It's Used
"He's so gullible that he believes everything he reads on the internet."
"Researchers studied the factors that make individuals more gullible to scams."
"Avoid making promises to gullible investors that cannot be delivered."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
fall for something
To be deceived by something; to be tricked into believing something untrue or false.
"He fell for her lies."
a sucker for something
A person who is easily tricked, swindled, or exploited.
"He is a sucker for a good bargain."
From Middle English *gullible* (capable of being deceived), from *gull* (to deceive) + *-ible* (suffix forming adjectives). The verb "gull" itself is of uncertain origin, possibly related to the word "gull" meaning "a foolish person".
The word "gullible" appeared in the early 17th century, reflecting growing concerns about deception and trickery in society.
Memory tip
Imagine a gull happily eating anything anyone offers. They're easy to fool!
Word Origin
"Capable of being deceived"