credence means acceptance of a belief or claim as true, especially on the basis of evidence. It carries an Arena rating of 1499, earned across 6 head-to-head judged battles.
Among words judged in Lexicurio's Arena, credence ranks #2,328 of 14,438 for Most Storied Words, #2,350 of 14,448 for Most Incisive Words, #7,082 of 14,423 for Most Sublime Words, #7,084 of 14,414 for Most Elegant Words.
credence is pronounced /ˈkɹiː.dəns/.
Why “credence” is a great word
Acceptance of a belief or claim as true, especially on the basis of evidence. From Middle English credence, from Old French credence, from Medieval Latin crēdentia (“belief, faith”), from Latin crēdēns, present participle of crēdō (“to believe, trust”). Unlike “faith,” which ascends without evidence, or “certainty,” which stands unyielding, credence is the measured middle ground of conviction. It is the provisional shelter one builds from the timber of testimony, the scaffolding of circumstance, and the mortar of likelihood—the quiet, human act of letting something in, but not yet letting it take root.
Etymology
From Middle English credence, from Old French credence, from Medieval Latin crēdentia (“belief, faith”), from Latin crēdēns, present active participle of crēdō (“loan, confide in, trust, believe”). Compare French croyance, French créance, Italian credenza, Portuguese crença, Romanian credință, Spanish creencia. Doublet of credenza.
noun
- Acceptance of a belief or claim as true, especially on the basis of evidence.“Based on the scientific data, I give credence to this hypothesis.”
- Credential or supporting material for a person or claim.“He presented us with a letter of credence.”
- A small table or credenza used in certain Christian religious services.
- A cupboard, sideboard, or cabinet, particularly one intended for the display of rich vessels or plate on open shelves.
- A subjective probability estimate of a belief or claim.“My credence in the proposition is around 90%.”
verb
- To give credence to; to believe.
Words closest in meaning
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