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credential

credential

165 5.3
An official paper that shows a person's identity or qualifications
  • noun
  • /krɪˈdɛnʃəl/
translation icon : credencial
  • In order to volunteer at the hospital, you must provide your credentials proving your qualifications.
  • earn credentials
  • college credentials
  • academic credentials

And what good are credentials if no one checks them?

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Examples

Synonyms

certificate
vscredential
307 2.7

A document that proves something is true, like a qualification or ownership

is broader and also proves identity or social status, not only achievements
diploma
vscredential
149 2.8

An official paper from a school or university that shows someone has finished a course of study

covers that use but also proves identity and other kinds of status
registration
vscredential
  • Formal
113 2.1

An official paper that shows officials have recorded a person or thing

is more general, proving identity, qualifications, or status beyond mere recording
birth certificate
vscredential
99 2.1

An official paper that shows a person's name, date, and place when they were born

serves identity proof but is narrower than general qualification or status proof
certification
vscredential
35 3.8

An official paper that proves something is true or someone is qualified

emphasizes also proving identity or formal status beyond qualifications
cert
vscredential
  • Informal
9 8.3

A document that shows someone finished a course or training

is the formal official document rather than an informal label
identity card
vscredential
  • Formal
6 1.3

An official card with your name and photo that shows who you are

is broader and also proves qualifications or nonidentity forms of status
credentials
vscredential
1 3.8

Documents or certificates that show who a person is, their qualifications and their role

refers to a single official document with the same proving function
proof of identity
vscredential
  • Formal
1 2.7

A document that shows who you are, like a passport or driver's licence

includes that purpose but also proves qualifications or other status
work papers
vscredential
  • Formal
1 4.3

Official documents that show a person may have a job, often for immigrants or young workers

is wider, proving identity, qualifications, or other types of official status
I.D.
vscredential
3.0

A card like a badge that shows who you are and proves your age or job

can also mean other official proof documents beyond identity cards

How Official

accreditation
  • Formal
20 6.1
to license
156 3.4
identity card
  • Formal
6 1.3
certificate
307 2.7
credential
165 5.3
letter
1.0
note
1.0

Surface Forms

credential singular
credentials plural

Etymology

Credential comes from the Latin root cred meaning 'to believe', the same root you see in credit. A credential was originally a document that makes people 'believe' your identity or skill, which is why today it proves a person's qualifications or status.