credence

cre·dence

noun \ˈkrē-d^ən(t)s\

Definition of CREDENCE

1

a : mental acceptance as true or real <give credence to gossip>

b : credibility 1 <lends credence to the theory>

2

: credentials —used in the phrase letters of credence

3

[Middle French, from Old Italian credenza] : a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate

4

: a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration

Examples of CREDENCE

1. The theory is gaining credence among scientists.
2. <I'm afraid I don't put much credence in common gossip.>

Origin of CREDENCE

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin credentia, from Latin credent-, credens, present participle of credere to believe, trust — more at creed

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CREDENCE

Synonyms

confidence, trust, faith, stock

Antonyms

distrust, mistrust

Related Words

acceptance, assurance, assuredness, certainty, certitude, conviction, positiveness, sureness, surety; credit, dependence (also dependance), hope, reliance

Near Antonyms

disbelief, incredulity, unbelief; distrustfulness, doubt, dubiety, dubiousness, incertitude, misdoubt, misgiving, mistrustfulness, nonconfidence, skepticism, suspicion, uncertainness, uncertainty; disenchantment, disillusion, disillusionment

See Synonym Discussion at belief