Worthy of belief because the claim or source is supported, consistent, and trustworthy.
Reach for it when describing evidence or communication that can reasonably be relied upon
The estimate became credible once each assumption was linked to a public record.
| everyday | |
|---|---|
| warm | |
| professional |
|
| formal |
everyday
Fits when the statement seems possible or convincing
Careful Believable can rest on appearance alone and says less about evidence or trust.
everyday
Fits when informal approval of dependable evidence fits
Careful Solid is vague and can praise strength without addressing truth.
warm
Fits when a person or source has earned reliance over time
Careful Trustworthiness is a character or reliability judgment, not just plausibility of one claim.
professional
Fits when the reasons successfully produce belief
Careful Persuasive force may come from rhetoric rather than credibility.
professional
plausible
Fits when the explanation could reasonably be true
Careful Plausibility marks reasonable possibility, not the evidentiary trust implied by credible.
formal
authoritative
Fits when recognized expertise gives the source weight
Careful Authority can be mistaken, and a credible argument need not come from high status.
formal
Fits when financial ability to repay is specifically intended
Careful This specialized term is wrong for a story, witness, or scientific claim.
credible source
A credible source distinguishes observed facts from estimates.
credible evidence
The panel found credible evidence in the dated maintenance logs.
credible account
Her credible account included the details she could not remember.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
Your browser isn't saving lists, so this one will be cleared when you leave the page.