credible

Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: valid, tenable, compelling

adjective

Difficulty: common

Definition of credible

Capable of being believed or trusted; worthy of confidence due to reliability, plausibility, or persuasiveness.

Origin of credible

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: credibilis

Original meaning: worthy of belief

How it evolved: Derived from 'credere' (to believe), the word evolved into 'credible' in Middle English, retaining its focus on trustworthiness and plausibility.

The word originates from Latin and entered English in the late Middle Ages, carrying its original sense of 'worthy of belief.'

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember credible

Think of 'credit'—if someone is credible, you can give them credit because they have earned your trust.

Synonyms for credible

Antonyms of credible

  • incredible
  • implausible
  • unreliable
  • dubious
  • questionable

credible in a Sentence

  1. The scientist presented a credible argument backed by extensive research and empirical evidence.
  2. Despite the defendant’s claims, the jury found the witness’s testimony far more credible and persuasive.
  3. The journalist’s reputation for honesty and thorough investigation makes her reports highly credible.

credible in Literature & Culture

The term 'credible' often appears in political speeches and literature, where leaders and authors use it to bolster confidence in their claims or arguments, such as Abraham Lincoln's insistence on 'credible evidence' during debates.

Usage Notes

Though 'credible' often refers to trustworthiness, it can also imply plausibility without moral judgment. Be careful not to confuse 'credible' with 'creditable,' which means deserving praise.

Why credible Matters for GRE & SAT

This word is frequently tested on the GRE because of its importance in evaluating arguments and evidence for their believability and reliability, which is a key skill in verbal reasoning.

Word Family

credibility (noun)
The quality of being trusted or believed.
incredible (adjective)
Not believable; extraordinary.
credence (noun)
Belief in or acceptance of something as true.

Did You Know?

  • The root 'cred-' appears in many English words related to belief, such as 'credit,' 'credulity,' and 'creed.'
  • The phrase 'credible witness' is a legal term used to describe someone whose testimony is deemed trustworthy and reliable.
  • A 19th-century philosophical debate revolved around whether 'credible' was inherently subjective, depending on individual perspectives.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation