Understanding Vocabulary: Readiness to Believe

The question asks for a single word that describes someone who is too ready to believe things without proper evidence or critical thinking. This is a common type of vocabulary question that tests your understanding of specific English words and their precise meanings.

Let's examine the given options to find the word that best fits the description: "Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things."

• Greenhorn: This word typically refers to a person who is new or inexperienced in a particular activity, situation, or place. It implies a lack of knowledge or skill due to inexperience, not necessarily a readiness to believe things easily.
• Skeptical: This word describes someone who is doubtful or questioning about something. A skeptical person is slow to believe and requires evidence or verification. This is the opposite of being too ready to believe things.
• Susceptible: This word means easily influenced, harmed, or affected by something. While a susceptible person might be more easily swayed, the word focuses on vulnerability or impressionability rather than an inherent readiness to believe information itself, especially unfounded information.
• Credulous: This word specifically means having or showing too great a readiness to believe things. A credulous person is easily convinced or fooled because they lack critical judgment when presented with information, often taking things at face value.

Comparing the definitions, the word that precisely matches the phrase "Having or showing too great a readiness to believe things" is Credulous.

Detailed Explanation of the Term "Credulous"

The term credulous comes from the Latin word 'credulus', which is related to 'credere', meaning 'to believe'. It carries a negative connotation, implying a naive or foolish willingness to accept claims without sufficient evidence or verification. Someone who is credulous might be easily tricked or misled by dishonest people because they do not question what they are told.

Example: He was so credulous that he believed every email promising him a million dollars.

Analysing the Options

Let's summarise how each option relates to the given phrase:

• Greenhorn: Inexperienced - does not fit the description.
• Skeptical: Doubtful, questioning - opposite of the description.
• Susceptible: Easily influenced/affected - related but not specifically about believing information readily.
• Credulous: Too ready to believe things - fits the description exactly.

Therefore, the correct word is Credulous.

Revision Table: Key Vocabulary Terms

Reviewing key terms helps reinforce understanding for exams.

Additional Information: Expanding Vocabulary on Belief

Understanding synonyms and related concepts can further enhance your vocabulary.

• Gullible: Very similar to credulous; easily deceived or tricked.
• Naive: Innocent and inexperienced; showing a lack of worldly wisdom, often leading to being easily deceived.
• Trusting: Having faith or confidence in someone or something; can be positive but can also lead to being credulous if excessive.
• Cynical: Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity. (Opposite of trusting/credulous)

By learning these related words, you can better understand the nuances of describing how people react to information and claims.