credibility
krehd-uh-BIH-ih-tee
Credibility (noun) means the quality of being believable or trustworthy. Example: “Citing reliable sources gives your essay more credibility with the examiner.”
noun
1
The quality of being believable or trustworthy.
"Citing reliable sources gives your essay more credibility with the examiner."
"The scandal seriously damaged the politician's credibility."
"A single false claim can destroy a journalist's credibility for years."
How to use credibility
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow much people trust or believe you (or a source, claim, argument).
Common pairings
lose credibility
lack credibility
credibility gap
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Word forms
- Plural
- credibilities
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Citing reliable sources gives your essay more _____ with the examiner.
Etymology
Borrowed via French from Latin credibilitas, ultimately from credere, "to believe" — built on the same root as "credible" and "credit".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for credibility
See all rhymes for credibility →Frequently asked questions
What does “credibility” mean?
The word “credibility” means the quality of being believable or trustworthy. In plain terms, how much people trust or believe you (or a source, claim, argument).
How do you pronounce “credibility”?
“Credibility” is pronounced krehd-uh-BIH-ih-tee (/kɹɛd.əˈbɪ.ɫɪ.ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “credibility” in a sentence?
Here is “credibility” used in a sentence: “The scandal seriously damaged the politician's credibility.”
What part of speech is “credibility”?
“Credibility” is a noun.
Where does the word “credibility” come from?
The word “credibility” comes from Latin. Borrowed via French from Latin credibilitas, ultimately from credere, "to believe" — built on the same root as "credible" and "credit".
Is “credibility” a common word?
“Credibility” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
What is the difference between credibility and reliability?
Credibility is the quality of being believable or trustworthy. Reliability is about consistency and dependability over time; something reliable can be counted on to perform, while something credible can be believed.
What is the difference between credibility and credit?
Credibility means being believable or trustworthy. Credit has other meanings, including recognition for an achievement or a financial arrangement, and it does not by itself mean believability.
What is the difference between credibility and reputation?
Credibility is the quality of being believed and trusted, often based on evidence or expertise. Reputation is the general opinion others hold about someone, which may be good or bad and covers far more than believability alone.
What words commonly go with credibility?
Credibility often appears in phrases such as 'gain credibility,' 'lose credibility,' 'lack credibility,' and 'damage credibility.' These collocations reflect that credibility can be built up or eroded over time.
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