Word
credibility
Credibility is the quality of being trusted and believed.
Meanings
the quality of being trusted and believed
the degree to which a story, claim, or source seems believable because it is supported by evidence
Definition
Credibility is the level of trust people place in someone, an organization, or a piece of information. It comes from factors like honesty, expertise, consistency, and evidence. When credibility is high, others are more likely to accept claims and follow recommendations.
Examples
- The journalist strengthened her credibility by citing multiple independent sources and correcting errors quickly.
- After the failed promise, the company struggled to rebuild its credibility with long-term customers.
- If you want your credibility to grow, match your confident tone with clear evidence and transparent methods.
- He questioned the report’s credibility because the numbers looked inconsistent across the different charts.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse credibility (being trusted) with credulity (being too ready to believe).
More at C1 level
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