credence

noun

cre·​dence ˈkrē-dᵊn(t)s 

1

a

: mental acceptance as true or real

give credence to gossip

b

: credibility sense 1

lends credence to the theory

an idea that is gaining credence

2

: credentials

—used in the phrase letters of credence

3

[Middle French, from Old Italian credenza] : a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate

4

: a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration

Synonyms

• confidence
• faith
• stock
• trust

Choose the Right Synonym for credence

belief, faith, credence, credit mean assent to the truth of something offered for acceptance.

belief may or may not imply certitude in the believer.

my belief that I had caught all the errors

faith almost always implies certitude even where there is no evidence or proof.

an unshakable faith in God

credence suggests intellectual assent without implying anything about grounds for assent.

a theory now given credence by scientists

credit may imply assent on grounds other than direct proof.

gave full credit to the statement of a reputable witness

Examples of credence in a Sentence

The theory is gaining credence among scientists.

I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip.

Recent Examples on the Web

Philosopher David Chalmers assigns a greater than 25 percent credence to the idea that generative AI systems might reasonably be called conscious by the year 2032. —Michelle Weber, Longreads, 13 Dec. 2024

This theory received credence because Wuhan also has a market that sells exotic animals for human consumption. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Because of the cultural connections between niche groups, ideas and messages are more likely to amplify via network effects and propagate into the broader populous—transferring the kind of credence that media dollars could never buy. —Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024

Previous studies have tried to establish similar relationships between stress and credence in the paranormal and examine the psychology of such beliefs. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin credentia, from Latin credent-, credens, present participle of credere to believe, trust — more at creed

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing credence

• give credence to
• lend weight/credence/credibility
• letter of credence
• place/put little credence in

Kids Definition

credence

noun

cre·​dence ˈkrēd-ᵊn(t)s 

1

: a ready acceptance of something as true or real

give credence to gossip

2

: credibility sense 1

lends credence to the theory