ENGLISH
REFERENCE

credible

adj.
US //ˈkɹɛdəbəɫ// UK //kɹˈɛdɪbəl// cred·i·ble
  1. 1 believable or plausible (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    easy to believe because it seems likely to be true.

    capable of being believed; plausible or convincing in nature.

    Example

    The police didn't find his excuse very credible because the timing was wrong.

    Example

    The witness provided a credible account of the accident, which was later supported by the footage from a nearby security camera.
    Pitfall
    His 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.

  2. 2 trustworthy or reliable (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    someone or something that you can trust or depend on.

    worthy of confidence; dependable or reliable in a professional or personal capacity.

    Example

    You should only get your medical news from credible sources like doctors.

    Example

    Establishing yourself as a credible expert in this field requires years of rigorous research and peer-reviewed publications.

    Usage

    Often used to describe sources of information, experts, or witnesses.
Origin

From Middle English credible, borrowed from Middle French credible, from Latin crēdibilis (“worthy of belief”), from crēdō (“believe”); see credit.

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