noun

credibility

kred-uh-BIL-uh-tee/ˌkredəˈbɪləti/

The quality of being believable or trustworthy.

The sturdy repair gives the craftswoman credibility with her satisfied customer.

A reliable South Asian craftswoman demonstrates a sturdy repair to a satisfied customer, evidence supporting trust.

Etymology

credLatinto believe, trust

+ibilLatincapable of being

+ityLatinquality or condition

The pieces make credibility the quality of being worthy of belief. It describes the trust a claim or person can reasonably command, rather than the act of believing itself.

In context

libncsu0:18

Essentially, that we can believe what the source is telling us. When you use high-quality sources to back up your points, you demonstrate your own credibility as a writer

Evaluating Sources for Credibility

More examples

The contradictory accounts damaged his credibility.
Her careful citations added credibility.
The investigation tested the witness's credibility.

Forms

credibility

credible adjective — Able to be believed.

Similar words

trustworthiness: Emphasizes deserving trust rather than simply seeming believable.
plausibility: Plausibility concerns seeming reasonable rather than deserving trust.