creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief

the Nicene Creed

2

: a set of fundamental beliefs

also : a guiding principle

Never settle for mediocrity is his creed.

—Jill Lieber

creedal adjective

or credal

ˈkrē-dᵊl 

Synonyms

• credo
• doctrine
• dogma
• gospel
• ideology
• idealogy
• philosophy
• testament

Examples of creed in a Sentence

central to the creed of this organization of medical volunteers is the belief that health care is a basic human right

the Amish live by a strict creed that rejects many of the values and practices of modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

Rustin was as much a representative of this creed as King was of the Black Baptist church. —Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 6 Nov. 2023

The latter — driven by an apocalyptic, millenarian creed — had embarked on a frenzy of killing, torture, grisly execution and abductions of civilians from communities of supposed apostates and enemies. —Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 25 Oct. 2023

About 15 minutes passed between the news of the atrocities committed by Hamas and the crumpling of the progressive creed. —Charles C. W. Cooke, National Review, 17 Oct. 2023

But the lawsuit has now been put on hold, with 12 of the original 21 plaintiffs moving to dismiss their claims, and BAPS Akshardham spokespeople assure that the temple will be a place for people of all creeds and castes to gather in community. —Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 8 Oct. 2023

On both those measures — optimism and social trust — immigrants are upholding attitudes once widely seen as central to the American creed. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2023

Their guiding ethos is not journalistic but political: to advance one party and creed and work their readers and viewers into a constant state of agitation about the other party and creed. —Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 18 Sep. 2023

Kondo’s creed may be born of Shinto precepts, but at its core is a very Western utilitarianism. —Coco Krumme, WIRED, 13 Sep. 2023

Another one of Burning Man’s principles is the idea of radical inclusion, welcoming people from all creeds, backgrounds, lifestyles and persuasions. —Morena Duwe, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English crede, from Old English crēda, from Latin credo (first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), from credere to believe, trust, entrust; akin to Old Irish cretid he believes, Sanskrit śrad-dadhāti

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith

2

: a set of guiding principles or beliefs

Etymology

Middle English crede "creed," from Old English crēda (same meaning), from Latin credo, literally, "I believe" (used as the first words in many creeds), from credere "to believe, trust, entrust" — related to credentials, credit, incredible