credential

[ kri-den-shuhl ]

noun

1. Usually credentials.
   1. evidence of authority, status, rights, entitlement to privileges, or the like, usually in written form:

      Only those with the proper credentials are admitted.

   2. Digital Technology. information that identifies an account and keeps it secure, as username and password:

      The IT department assigns temporary system credentials to new employees.

2. 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.

1. to grant credentials to, especially educational and professional ones:

   She has been credentialed to teach math.

adjective

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

credential

/ krɪˈdɛnʃəl /

noun

1. something that entitles a person to confidence, authority, etc
2. plural a letter or certificate giving evidence of the bearer's identity or competence

adjective

1. entitling one to confidence, authority, etc

Derived Forms

• creˈdentialed, adjective

Other Words From

• uncre·dentialed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of credential¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English credencial, from Medieval Latin crēdenti(a); credence, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of credential¹

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

Related Words

• affidavit
• authentication
• authorization
• certification
• coupon
• deed
• diploma
• documentation
• guarantee
• license
• paper
• permit
• receipt
• ticket
• voucher
• warrant
• warranty