noun
credence
KREE-duhns
Credence (noun) means Acceptance of something as true or trustworthy, usually because there is evidence for it. Example: “The witness statement gave credence to her version of events.”
noun
1
Acceptance of something as true or trustworthy, usually because there is evidence for it.
"Based on the scientific data, I give credence to this hypothesis."
"The witness statement gave credence to her version of events."
"Scientists gave little credence to the rumour until the data came in."
How to use credence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTreating something as believable or worth trusting.
Common mistake
Almost always used with "give" or "lend" — you "give credence to" an idea, you don't just "have credence".
Common pairings
give credence to
lend credence to
gain credence
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like credence.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- credences
- Third person singular
- credences
- Past tense
- credenced
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The witness statement gave _____ to her version of events.
Etymology
From Old French credence, tracing back to Latin credentia ("belief"), from credere, "to believe" — the same root that gives us "credit" and "creed".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for credence
See all rhymes for credence →Frequently asked questions
What does “credence” mean?
The word “credence” means acceptance of something as true or trustworthy, usually because there is evidence for it. In plain terms, treating something as believable or worth trusting.
How do you pronounce “credence”?
“Credence” is pronounced KREE-duhns (/ˈkɹi.dəns/ in IPA).
How do you use “credence” in a sentence?
Here is “credence” used in a sentence: “The witness statement gave credence to her version of events.”
What part of speech is “credence”?
“Credence” is a noun.
Where does the word “credence” come from?
The word “credence” comes from Latin. From Old French credence, tracing back to Latin credentia ("belief"), from credere, "to believe" — the same root that gives us "credit" and "creed".
