credibility

Credibility is the quality that makes someone or something believable and trustworthy. It's what helps people think, "Yes, I believe you," or "That sounds like a good idea."

When we talk about credibility, we often use it to describe how reliable someone or something is. For example, if a news source has high credibility, it means they're known for getting their facts straight and reporting the truth. A doctor with great credibility would be one who's experienced, kind, and always looks out for his patients' best interests.

We also use credibility in everyday situations to figure out what to do or what to believe. If a friend is trying to convince you to go somewhere, but they're not usually reliable, you might say, "I'm not sure I trust your judgment on this one." On the other hand, if someone's always honest and fair, we'd think of them as highly credible.

Credibility can also be something that's earned or lost over time. If a company makes promises it can't keep, it loses credibility with its customers. But if a small business does a great job of following through on their commitments, they build up credibility with the people who support them.