Reading Theme:
Credible: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：trustworthy, believable (credible)
credible
/ˈkredəbl/
adj.
If something is credible, it seems true, reasonable, or can be believed.
trustworthy, believable
➕
/ˈtrʌstˌwɜːrði/, /bɪˈliːvəbl/
adj.
Describes information, stories, or claims that appear to be true, reasonable, and worthy of acceptance.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'credibilis' ('able to be believed'), from 'credere' ('to believe').
💡 Mnemonic
Think: "Cred" as in "credit" score - something that gives you trust. A 'credible' story is one you can give 'credit' to.
📖 Example
The news report was based on a credible source, so many people trusted it.
The news report originated from a trustworthy source, which is why it garnered public trust.
🔗 Collocations
credible source – A reliable origin of information.
credible evidence – Information or facts that are convincing and reliable.
credible threat – A potential danger that is considered real and plausible.
🔄 Synonyms
believable (adj.) – Able to be accepted as true.
plausible (adj.) – Seeming reasonable or probable.
convincing (adj.) – Capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real.
🚫 Antonyms
unbelievable (adj.) – Not able to be believed; implausible.
implausible (adj.) – Not seeming reasonable or probable; difficult to believe.
🌱 Derivatives
credibility (n.) – The quality of being trusted and believed in.
credibly (adv.) – In a believable or trustworthy manner.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'credibilis', entering English via Old French. It's a cornerstone of news reporting and legal testimony; a 'credible witness' is one whose testimony is deemed trustworthy in court.
Meaning 2：trustworthy person, reliable (credible)
credible
/ˈkredəbl/
adj.
If a person is credible, they are good at their job or honest, so people trust what they say or do.
trustworthy person, reliable
➕
/ˈtrʌstˌwɜːrði ˈpɜːrsn/, /rɪˈlaɪəbl/
adj.
Describes a person who is perceived as honest, competent, and therefore worthy of trust in what they say or do.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She is a highly credible expert in environmental science, often invited to give advice to the government.
She is a deeply trusted specialist in environmental science, frequently consulted by government bodies.
🔗 Collocations
credible expert – A specialist who is widely accepted as knowledgeable and trustworthy.
credible authority – An institution or person with recognized and trusted power or knowledge.
credible voice – A person or group whose opinions are respected and influential.
🔄 Synonyms
trustworthy (adj.) – Able to be relied on as honest or truthful.
reliable (adj.) – Consistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted.
dependable (adj.) – Trustworthy and reliable.
🚫 Antonyms
untrustworthy (adj.) – Not able to be relied on as honest or truthful.
unreliable (adj.) – Not able to be relied upon.
🌱 Derivatives
credibility (n.) – The quality of being trusted and believed in.
credibly (adv.) – In a believable or trustworthy manner.
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