credence
Say it: KREE-duns /ˈkriːd(ə)ns/ · noun
What “credence” means
Belief that something is true.
More precisely: Belief in or acceptance of something as true; or the likelihood of it being true.
Example: “The leaked memo lends credence to rumours of a merger.”
When to use it
In fairly formal discussion, when judging whether a claim deserves belief, especially as new evidence appears.
Similar words
belief, credibility, trust
Where it comes from
From medieval Latin credentia, from credere, 'to believe'.
Quick check
You doubted rumours of a new café until builders installed an espresso machine next door. The rumours gain…
credence or publicity?
Show the answer
credence
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