credence

American  

[kreed-ns] / ˈkrid 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.

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credence British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• noncredence noun

Etymology

Origin of credence

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

Example Sentences

“I would worry about something like that, and I’d worry about a bunch of these theories that she has getting wider credence in society,” Lurie said.

From Salon

While terms of the deal weren’t made clear, the report lends credence to whispers of a possible sale that have followed the company for some time.

From Barron's

“That’s putting more and more behind the credence that precious metals is a wonderful way to protect purchasing power,” she added.

From Barron's

Robinson said the inquiry had not given enough "credence" to that when finalising its report.

From BBC

Humber has since discovered a mention in an old newspaper of another baseball game played in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1819, also on militia muster day, which he says lends credence to Ford’s remembrances about Beachville.

From The Wall Street Journal