What is credible? Pronunciation and usage in English

credible means . Learn how to pronounce and use credible through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of credible

credibleadjective

/ˈkredəbl//ˈkredəbl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "credible." It's a tricky one for many English speakers! Here's the breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (the most accurate):

  • /ˈkri.də.bəl/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈkri - This is like "kree" – short "i" sound, as in "kit." The 'ˈ' symbol indicates this syllable is stressed (the most emphasized part).
  • də - This is like "duh" – a very short, unstressed "uh" sound.
  • bəl - This is like "bull" – short "uh" sound, with a "l" sound at the end.

2. Saying it out loud:

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting it right:

  1. Start with "kree" – Make sure it's crisp and clear.
  2. Then "duh" - Keep this very short and light. Don't let it linger.
  3. Finally, "bull" – A quick, final "uh" sound with the "l" at the end.

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t over-elongate: The "duh" part is very short. It's often the mistake people make.
  • Don't make it sound like "cre-di-ble": The 'də' is crucial. It's not a separate word ("di").
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly! Here are some resources:

To summarize, aim for: "Kree-duh-bull"

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word credible in English

Let's break down how to use the word "credible" in English. It's a really useful word that describes trustworthiness and believability.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Credible means believable, trustworthy, and convincing. Something credible is worthy of belief; it seems likely to be true.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts:

Here's how you can use "credible" in various situations, with examples:

  • Describing a Source of Information: This is the most common usage.

    • "The news report seemed credible because it cited multiple eyewitnesses." (The report seemed trustworthy because it had good evidence.)
    • "He's a credible source on this topic – a retired professor of history." (He’s a reliable expert.)
    • “I found her testimony to be credible, despite her emotional delivery.” (Her story was believable, even though she was upset.)

  • Describing a Person's Statements or Actions:

    • “Her explanation for being late was credible – she had a flat tire.” (Her excuse made sense and seemed believable.)
    • "The detective considered the suspect's alibi to be credible." (The alibi seemed plausible.)

  • Describing Evidence:

    • "The forensic evidence was credible, supporting the prosecution’s case." (The scientific evidence was convincing.)
    • "The witness’s account was credible due to the detailed descriptions of the scene." (The story was believable because of the specific details.)

  • Adjective Describing Something Generally:

    • “The novel had a credible portrayal of small-town life.” (The novel realistically depicted small-town life)
    • "He presented a credible argument for why we should invest in renewable energy." (His argument was convincing.)

3. Synonyms:

Here are some words that have a similar meaning to “credible” you might consider using:

  • Reliable
  • Trustworthy
  • Believable
  • Convincing
  • Genuine
  • Authentic
  • Verifiable

4. Important Note: "Seem" vs. "Is"

Often, you’ll see “seems credible” or “appeared credible”. This is because we often perceive something as credible. It’s not always a confirmed fact, just that it appears to be true. You can also say “The evidence is credible” when you have solid proof.

5. How Not to Use It:

  • Don’t use it to mean “good” or “pleasant.” "A credible argument" doesn't mean a good argument—it means a convincing one.

Example Sentences Combining Usage:

  • "Despite the sensational headlines, the journalist presented a credible account of the event, based on interviews with several participants."
  • “His claims about finding a cure were, unfortunately, not credible; they were later proven false.”
  • “The researcher’s study was considered credible by the scientific community because of its rigorous methodology.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you trying to use “credible” in a specific context (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)?
  • Do you have a particular sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word credible

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