Cred
/krɛd/noun
Informal approval, respect, or credibility, especially within a particular group or subculture.
Did you know?Cred ultimately connects with Latin credo—“I believe”—the opening word of the Christian Creed, turning personal trust into a formal statement of faith.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱred-dʰeh₁-
“Traditionally analyzed as “to place trust” or “put one’s heart,” though the exact reconstruction is debated.”
Ancient Latin
Latin
crēdō
“I believe, trust, or entrust.”
Classical Latin
Latin
crēditum
“A thing entrusted; a loan or confidence placed in someone.”
Old French
Old French
creance
“Belief, trust, or faith; the source of English “credence.””
16th Century
English
credibility
“The quality of being believable or trustworthy.”
20th Century
English
cred
“Informal shortening of “credibility,” meaning reputation or respect within a group.”