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 credence table, Ecclesiastical. a small side table, shelf, or niche for holding articles used in the Eucharist service.
4. Furniture. credenza ( def 1 ).

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 Words From

• non·cre·dence 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

Although Trump’s claim had gained credence in right-wing social-media circles in the days preceding the debate, Muir noted that ABC News had consulted the city manager of Springfield, Ohio, who attested that “there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”

From Slate

A dramatic, string-drenched cover of Cleo Sol's single Sunshine also lent credence to the rumours that Dua could record the next Bond theme.

From BBC

Rather, it’s meant to urge people not to put too much stock in early forecasts, which often shift; to not give undue credence to untrained hysteria-mongers; and to not let panic get in the way of necessary advance preparation.

From Slate

“Coyote” lends some credence to his argument.

From Los Angeles Times

Neither of these appear to be the case, lending credence to reports that Israel triggered the explosive pagers because it believed its plot had been, or was in the process of being uncovered.

From BBC