credential

[ kri-den-shuh l ]

/ krɪˈdɛn ʃəl /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR credential ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Usually credentials. evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form: Only those with the proper credentials are admitted.

anything that provides the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

verb (used with object), cre·den·tialed, cre·den·tial·ing or especially British cre·den·tialled, cre·den·tial·ling.

to grant credentials to, especially educational and professional ones: She has been credentialed to teach math.

adjective

providing the basis for confidence, belief, credit, etc.

Words related to credential

diploma, sanction, voucher, recommendation, deed, testimonial, title, character, passport, endorsement, document, warrant, authorization, papers, missive, card, certificate, license, token, testament

Words nearby credential

cred, credence, credence table, credendum, credent, credential, credentialism, credenza, credibility, credibility gap, credible

Origin of credential

1425–75; late Middle English credencial < Medieval Latin crēdenti(a) credence + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM credential

un·cre·den·tialed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for credential

At one point in time, there was a code of conduct: creed and credential.
CeeLo and Goodie Mob on Their Comeback, Kanye West’s ‘Emotional Problems,’ More|Marlow Stern|August 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Students with more experience do better--but need the credential less.
Don't Go to Business School!|Megan McArdle|January 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Especially to the extent that this helps drive a lot of additional spending on said credential.
More on Whether We're Paying too Much for College|Megan McArdle|September 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Now, of course, I don't think that education is only a credential.
More on Whether We're Paying too Much for College|Megan McArdle|September 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST

The credential of having a lot of Washington, D.C., experience is not “a calling card” among voters any more.
How Mitt Romney Can Defeat Rick Santorum for GOP Nomination|Ben Jacobs|February 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
In some towns the credential is that the family shall employ a "hired girl."
Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great, Volume 11 (of 14)|Elbert Hubbard
When the convention assembles for the second session, the first business is the report of the credential committee.
Citizenship|Emma Guy Cromwell
If my onion is good as a credential, I'll accept the invitation gladly.
Options|O. Henry
Beauty of itself is not a credential—rather it is an object of suspicion, unless it goes with intellect.
Little Journeys To The Homes Of Great Teachers|Elbert Hubbard
Somebody said he was in the hall a moment ago, on a Ripton credential.
Mr. Crewe's Career, Complete|Winston Churchill

British Dictionary definitions for credential

credential

/ (krɪˈdɛnʃəl) /

noun

something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc

(plural) a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence

adjective

entitling one to confidence, authority, etc

Derived forms of credential

credentialed, adjective

Word Origin for credential

C16: from Medieval Latin crēdentia credit, trust; see credence

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012