Credible vs Credulous: Which One Do You Need?
Credible describes something worth believing. Credulous describes a person who believes too easily.
A credible account. A credulous audience.
The test that settles it
Ask which side of the belief you are describing. The thing believed is credible; the believer is credulous.
“a ___ explanation” → the explanation is believable, so credible.
“a ___ investor” → the person believes too readily, so credulous.
Credible: believable
Deserving belief because it is plausible or well supported. It describes claims, witnesses, threats and evidence.
The witness gave a credible account.
There is no credible evidence for it.
A credible threat to security.
Swap in believable. If it works, credible.
Credulous: too ready to believe
Describing a person or group who accept things without enough scepticism. It is not a compliment.
The scheme preyed on credulous savers.
A credulous readership.
He is not so credulous as that.
Swap in gullible. If it works, credulous.
Side by side
| Credible | Credulous |
|---|---|
| The thing believed | The person believing |
| Believable | Gullible |
| Neutral or positive | Critical |
| A credible claim | A credulous listener |
The exceptions
Creditable means deserving credit or praise: a creditable performance. It has nothing to do with belief, and it is often written by mistake for credible.
Incredible literally means not believable, but everyday use has bleached it into a synonym for excellent. Incredulous keeps its meaning: unwilling to believe.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a credulous source | a credible source | The source is believable. |
| He was credible that it worked. | He was credulous enough to believe it worked. | The person, not the claim. |
| a credible effort by the team | a creditable effort by the team | Praiseworthy, not believable. |
| She was incredible when told. | She was incredulous when told. | She did not believe it. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The court found her testimony ___.
- The con relied on ___ victims.
- A ___ third place in a strong field.
- He looked ___ at the news.
- There is no ___ alternative.
Show the answers
1. credible 2. credulous 3. creditable 4. incredulous 5. credible
Frequently asked
What is the noun from credible?
Credibility. From credulous it is credulity — the readiness to believe.
Do they share a root?
Yes, Latin credere, to believe. So do credit, creed and credentials.
More words people confuse
