What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gullible
Example
He was so gullible that he fell for the scam artist's lies. [gullible: adjective]
Example
She's too gullible to realize that he's just using her for her money. [gullible: adjective]
naive
Example
She was naive to think that he would change his ways. [naive: adjective]
Example
He's so naive that he doesn't realize he's being scammed. [naive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Naive is more commonly used than gullible in everyday language. Naive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while gullible is less common and more specific in its meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gullible and naive?
Both gullible and naive are informal words, but gullible may be considered slightly more informal due to its negative connotations.