credence

[kreed-ns]

noun

1. belief as to the truth of something.

   to give credence to a claim.

   Synonyms: confidence, faith, credit

2. something giving a claim to belief or confidence.

   letter of credence.

3. Also called credenza. Also called credence table,. Ecclesiastical.,  a small side table, shelf, or niche for holding articles used in the Eucharist service.

4. Furniture.,  credenza.

credence

/ ˈkriːdəns /

noun

1. acceptance or belief, esp with regard to the truth of the evidence of others

   I cannot give credence to his account

2. something supporting a claim to belief; recommendation; credential (esp in the phrase letters of credence )

3. short for credence table

Other Word Forms

• noncredence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of credence¹

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French credence < Medieval Latin crēdentia. See credent, -ence

Word History and Origins

Origin of credence¹

C14: from Medieval Latin crēdentia trust, credit, from Latin crēdere to believe

Example Sentences

But this week, he finally granted some credence to the dynamic, putting the difficulties of the transition in a different, but connected, context.

From Los Angeles Times

Regardless, this victory will only give him extra credence in the Team Europe dressing room.

From BBC

Asked whether she gives any credence to theories about aliens, she doesn't totally shut down the idea.

From BBC

The measure’s critics say the mistake adds credence to their arguments that the county overhaul was put together too hastily.

From Los Angeles Times

Vaughan, who famously captained England to victory in the 2005 Ashes, believes Stokes should have given more credence to conditions on Friday morning when he made his decision.

From BBC