credit
UK: ˈkrɛdɪt | US: ˈkrɛdɪt
n. 1. The ability to obtain goods or services before payment, based on trust that payment will be made in the future.
n. 2. Recognition or approval for an achievement, quality, or contribution.
n. 3. A unit of academic study representing a student’s workload.
vt. 1. To attribute something to a person or cause.
vt. 2. To add funds to an account.
credit = cred<believe> + it<noun suffix>
- cred (from Latin credere, meaning "to believe" or "trust")
- it (a noun-forming suffix, often indicating an action or result)
Etymology Origin:
The word credit originates from the Latin creditum, meaning "a loan" or "something entrusted to another," derived from credere ("to believe, trust"). The concept reflects the foundational idea of trust in financial and social transactions—extending value based on belief in future repayment or acknowledgment. Over time, credit expanded beyond finance to include recognition (e.g., "giving credit") and academic measurement.
She used her credit card to purchase the laptop.
The scientist received credit for the groundbreaking discovery.
This course is worth three credits toward your degree.
The author credited her mentor for inspiring the book.
The bank credited $500 to his savings account.