credible

UK: ˈkredəbl̩ | US: ˈkredəbl̩

Definition
  1. adj. able to be believed; convincing or trustworthy

  2. adj. (of a person) reliable or authoritative

Structure
cred <believe>ible <capable of>
Etymology

credible = cred<believe> + ible<capable of>

  • cred (from Latin credere, meaning "to believe")
  • ible (Latin suffix -ibilis, indicating capability or susceptibility)

Etymology Origin:
The word "credible" traces back to Latin credibilis, derived from credere ("to believe"). The root cred- appears in many English words related to trust or belief (e.g., "credit," "creed"). The suffix -ible signals the capacity for something, making "credible" literally mean "capable of being believed." Over time, it evolved to describe not just ideas but also trustworthy individuals.

Examples
  1. The witness gave a credible account of the accident.

  2. Her research is highly credible among experts.

  3. The documentary lacked credible evidence to support its claims.

  4. He seemed credible during the interview, so we hired him.

  5. A credible source confirmed the news before it was published.