Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Credulous'

English Word: credulous

Key Russian Translations:

• доверчивый [dɐˈvʲertɕɪvɨj] - [Neutral, Commonly Used]
• легковерный [lʲɪxkɐˈvʲernɨj] - [Slightly Pejorative, Informal]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

доверчивый: [dɐˈvʲertɕɪvɨj]

Note on доверчивый: Stress falls on the second syllable. The soft 'ч' sound may be challenging for non-native speakers.

легковерный: [lʲɪxkɐˈvʲernɨj]

Note on легковерный: Stress on the third syllable. Pay attention to the soft 'л' sound at the beginning.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Easily Believing or Trusting (Neutral Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• доверчивый - Used in neutral or positive contexts to describe someone who trusts easily, often with a sense of innocence.

Usage Examples:

• Он такой доверчивый, что поверил всем её словам.

  He is so credulous that he believed every word she said.

• Доверчивые дети часто становятся жертвами обмана.

  Credulous children often become victims of deception.

• Её доверчивый взгляд растопил моё сердце.

  Her credulous look melted my heart.

2. Naively Believing (Slightly Negative Sense)

Translation(s) & Context:

• легковерный - Often carries a negative connotation, implying gullibility or foolishness.

Usage Examples:

• Не будь таким легковерным, это явно мошенничество.

  Don't be so credulous; this is clearly a scam.

• Легковерные люди часто покупают ненужные вещи.

  Credulous people often buy unnecessary things.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

доверчивый (Adjective): This adjective follows standard Russian declension patterns for adjectives. It agrees in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.

легковерный (Adjective): Follows similar declension patterns as "доверчивый". Refer to standard adjective declension rules.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms:

• наивный (naive, innocent)
• простодушный (simple-hearted, guileless)

Note: "наивный" often implies a broader sense of innocence, while "простодушный" emphasizes sincerity alongside credulity.

Antonyms:

• скептический (skeptical)
• недоверчивый (distrustful)

Related Phrases:

• доверчивый как ребёнок - "credulous as a child" (extremely trusting or naive)
• легковерный на слово - "credulous to words" (easily believes what is said)

Usage Notes:

• "доверчивый" is generally more neutral or even positive, often implying innocence or a willingness to trust. It is more commonly used in everyday speech.
• "легковерный" often has a negative undertone, suggesting gullibility or a lack of critical thinking. It is used when criticizing someone's naivety.
• Both adjectives must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they describe, which is a key grammatical feature in Russian.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "легковерный" in a positive context.
  Incorrect: Она такая милая и легковерная.
  Correct: Она такая милая и доверчивая.
  Explanation: "легковерный" often implies foolishness, so it is inappropriate for a positive description. Use "доверчивый" instead.
• Error: Failing to match the adjective's gender with the noun.
  Incorrect: Она доверчивый.
  Correct: Она доверчивая.
  Explanation: Russian adjectives must agree with the gender of the noun. "Она" (she) requires the feminine form "доверчивая".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, being "доверчивый" can sometimes be seen as a positive trait, reflecting sincerity and openness, especially in personal relationships. However, in modern contexts, excessive credulity is often criticized, especially in urban settings where skepticism is valued due to frequent scams or deceit.

Related Concepts:

• наивность (naivety)
• доверие (trust)
• обман (deception)