credible
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
easy to believe because it seems likely to be true.
capable of being believed; plausible or convincing in nature.
Simple“The police didn't find his excuse very credible because the timing was wrong.”
In context“The witness provided a credible account of the accident, which was later supported by the footage from a nearby security camera.”
PitfallHis story was very credulous. His story was very credible.Use 'credible' for a story that is believable. 'Credulous' describes a person who believes things too easily.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
someone or something that you can trust or depend on.
worthy of confidence; dependable or reliable in a professional or personal capacity.
Simple“You should only get your medical news from credible sources like doctors.”
In context“Establishing yourself as a credible expert in this field requires years of rigorous research and peer-reviewed publications.”
UsageOften used to describe sources of information, experts, or witnesses.
SynonymsAntonyms
credible vs credulous — Credible describes the quality of the information, while credulous describes the gullibility of the person hearing it.
“Reform UK said overnight that police had told Farage not to attend the count due to a “credible threat” against him, which the Press Association understands is not the case.”
“Overnight, Reform UK said police had told him not to attend because of a “credible threat” against him, although Essex police contradicted this claim.”
From Middle English credible, borrowed from Middle French credible, from Latin crēdibilis (“worthy of belief”), from crēdō (“believe”); see credit.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.