C1 noun Neutral

credit

/ˈkrɛdɪt/

A unit that represents the successful completion of a course of study at a school or university. It serves as a measure of the workload or time spent on a subject and counts toward a degree or diploma.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I need to take one more science class to get the credit I need this year.

I need to take one more science class to get the credit I need this year.

2

The admissions committee will determine how many transfer credits are applicable to your degree program.

The admissions committee will determine how many transfer credits are applicable to your degree program.

3

I'm just taking this film class for an easy credit.

I'm just taking this film class for an easy credit.

Word Family

Noun
credit
Verb
credit
Adverb
creditably
Adjective
creditable
Related
accreditation
💡

Memory Tip

Think of academic credits as 'tokens' you collect. Once you have enough tokens in your jar, you can trade them for a diploma.

Quick Quiz

To graduate with honors, a student must complete at least sixty ________ at this university.

Correct!

The correct answer is: credits

Examples

1

I need to take one more science class to get the credit I need this year.

everyday

I need to take one more science class to get the credit I need this year.

2

The admissions committee will determine how many transfer credits are applicable to your degree program.

formal

The admissions committee will determine how many transfer credits are applicable to your degree program.

3

I'm just taking this film class for an easy credit.

informal

I'm just taking this film class for an easy credit.

4

Students must accumulate a total of 120 credits, including forty credits in their major field, to graduate.

academic

Students must accumulate a total of 120 credits, including forty credits in their major field, to graduate.

5

Our professional development program allows employees to earn academic credit for leadership workshops.

business

Our professional development program allows employees to earn academic credit for leadership workshops.

Word Family

Noun
credit
Verb
credit
Adverb
creditably
Adjective
creditable
Related
accreditation

Common Collocations

earn a credit to successfully complete a course and receive the unit
transfer credits to move academic units from one institution to another
academic credit recognition for completing a part of a course of study
credit hour a unit of measuring educational value based on time in class
extra credit additional work done to improve a grade or add units

Common Phrases

transfer of credit

the process of accepting credits from another school

credit-bearing course

a class that counts toward a student's degree requirements

non-credit course

a class taken for knowledge that does not count toward a degree

Often Confused With

credit vs credential

A credential is the final qualification like a degree, whereas a credit is the smaller unit used to build toward that degree.

credit vs grade

A grade is a mark of performance (A, B, C), while a credit is a measure of quantity or completion.

📝

Usage Notes

In North America, 'credit hours' usually correspond to the number of hours spent in a classroom per week. In Europe, the ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) is used to standardize these units.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'points' or 'marks' when referring to the units required for graduation; in an academic context, 'credits' is the precise term.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of academic credits as 'tokens' you collect. Once you have enough tokens in your jar, you can trade them for a diploma.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'creditum', meaning 'a thing entrusted to another', which evolved to mean 'belief' or 'reputation' and eventually 'recognition of study'.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun in an academic context Often used with the preposition 'for' (e.g., credit for a course) Commonly used in plural when discussing degree requirements
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Cultural Context

In the United States, the 'Carnegie Unit' or credit hour is the foundation of the higher education system and determines full-time student status for visas and financial aid.

Quick Quiz

To graduate with honors, a student must complete at least sixty ________ at this university.

Correct!

The correct answer is: credits

Related Phrases

Related Words

complement

A2

A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.

compound

A2

Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.

conceive

A2

To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.

confer

A2

To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.

conform

A2

To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.

consecutive

A2

Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

consistency

A2

Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.

disclude

B1

Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.

antiformous

B1

Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.

interspect

B1

Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.

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