credibility - Master This Word

credibility Word Meanings

• the quality of being trusted or believed in
• the quality of being convincing or persuasive

credibility Example Sentences

Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.

• He has good credibility in our town.
• Her story lacks credibility.
• You need to build your credibility.
• Credibility is important for a journalist.
• Trust comes from credibility.

credibility Word Etymology

cred- = believe + -ibility = able to be; Latin 'credibilis' → Old French 'credibil' → English. Imagine someone standing with a badge of trust, indicating they can be believed.

English Brain Route

First I set my posture and feel my shoulders shift as I begin. I adjust my pace, push a warmer tone into my voice and pull back a hint of doubt. The room leans in, eyes lock on mine, and I sense that my effort is paying off. In that quiet change of attention I discover credibility—not in a label, but in how I keep steady under their gaze.

Real Context

Credibility is the quality of being trusted or believed in, and it also relates to how convincing or persuasive a message or source appears. It depends on evidence, transparency, consistency, and track record. People assess credibility through factors like accuracy, sources, bias, and accountability, and it can shift as new information emerges. The etymology comes from cred- (believe) and -ibility (able to be), underscoring the idea of a badge of trust that must be earned, not claimed. Understanding credibility helps evaluate arguments, media, and reports, and it matters in classrooms, courts, and newsrooms alike.

Usage Reminders

• - Distinguish credibility from persuasiveness or likability.
• - Check sources and evidence before accepting a claim.
• - Beware sensational language that tries to boost credibility without substance.
• - Consider the context and the speaker's track record.
• - Use credible in both formal writing and everyday speech to describe trustworthy information.

Common Misconceptions

• Credibility means being persuasive, not just believable.
• A source with no errors is automatically credible.
• Credibility and reliability are exactly the same.
• If a claim sounds convincing, it is credible regardless of evidence.
• Credibility is fixed and never changes.

Thinking Differences

English speakers often separate trust in a person from the claim itself; learners may conflate credibility with persuasiveness or reliability. Focus on evidence and context to judge truth.

Learning Tips

• Compare credibility with reliability; know the difference.
• Practice spotting strong evidence and credible sources.
• Notice language that signals uncertainty rather than fact.
• Check multiple sources before forming an opinion.
• Summarize a claim with its key supporting facts.
• Read critically in both academic and media texts.

5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English

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