credulity

Noun

credulity (countable and uncountable, plural credulities)

1. A willingness to believe in someone or something in the absence of reasonable proof; credulousness.
   • a tall story that strains credulity
   • These testosterone thumpers have repackaged and exaggerated the study, with a credulity born of zealotry, into articles with shitposty titles like “Trust The Science: Study Links Left-Wing Politics to Lower Testosterone,” casting it as hard proof of their hormonal theories of healthy politics.2023 April 5, Mark Hay, “Does Testosterone Affect Your Politics?”, in VICE

   Synonyms:

   credulosity, credulousness, gullibility, naivety

   Antonyms:

   skepticism, doubt, wariness, suspicion

2. (nonstandard) Faith, credence; acceptance or maintenance of a belief.
   • Do you think Mr. Allworthy hath more contempt for money than other men because he professes more? Such credulity would better become one of us weak women, than that wise sex which heaven hath formed for politicians. Indeed, brother, you would make a fine plenipo to negotiate with the French.1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC, book VI
   • As Challenger spoke of his pterodactyl I glanced at Professor Summerlee, and for the first time I seemed to see some signs of a dawning credulity and repentance. There was no sneer upon his thin lips, but, on the contrary, a gray, drawn look of excitement and amazement. Challenger saw it, too, and...1912, Arthur Conan Doyle, chapter 9, in The Lost World […], London; New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   belief, faith, credence

   Antonyms:

   incredulity