Choose the appropriate antonym of the given word. Gullibility

Correct — D. Gullibility means being too ready to believe what you are told, so that you are easily fooled.

The opposite is a habit of doubting claims until they are proved, which is skepticism (spelt scepticism in British English). That is option (d).

Why the others are wrong

• (a)
  Naviety — Naviety, the paper's spelling of naivety, is a lack of experience that makes someone believe too easily. It is close to gullibility, not opposite to it.
• (b)
  Innocence — Innocence, in the sense of inexperience, leans toward gullibility: it describes someone who has not yet learned to doubt. It is not the opposite.
• (c)
  Trust — Trust is a willingness to believe in someone. Gullibility is trust carried too far, so trust points the same way; its opposite is distrust.

An antonym item asks for the word furthest in meaning from the given one. Here three options sit near gullibility, so the test is which one points the other way.

Gullibility, credulity and naivety all mean believing too easily. Skepticism, doubt and distrust mean holding back belief until there is evidence.

Key facts

• Gullible: easily deceived (synonym: credulous).
• Skeptical (British sceptical): inclined to doubt claims until they are proved.
• Naivety: lack of experience or judgement, which leads to trusting too easily.

Common traps

• Rejecting skepticism because it sounds negative and picking trust or innocence because they sound like virtues.
• Confusing credulous (too ready to believe) with credible (believable).

No directly related past PYQ was found.