To give credence to
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
字面意思: To provide belief or trust to
Use this phrase when you want to seriously acknowledge that an idea or argument has merit.
15秒了解
- To accept something as true or valid.
- Often used when evaluating rumors or theories.
- Implies a deliberate choice to trust information.
意思
When you give credence to something, you choose to believe it is true or valid. It means you are treating an idea or a story as if it has real weight and deserves to be taken seriously.
关键例句
3 / 6Discussing a workplace rumor
I wouldn't give much credence to the rumor that the office is closing.
I wouldn't give much credence to the rumor that the office is closing.
Evaluating a scientific theory
Recent findings give credence to the theory of a hidden planet.
Recent findings give credence to the theory of a hidden planet.
Texting a friend about a celebrity
Do you really give any credence to what that tabloid says?
Do you really give any credence to what that tabloid says?
文化背景
The phrase draws from the same root as 'credentials' and 'credit,' emphasizing the value of trust in Western discourse. It became a hallmark of Enlightenment-era thinking, where weighing evidence became a social virtue. Today, it is frequently used by journalists to navigate the 'fake news' landscape.
The 'Lend' Alternative
You can swap 'give' for 'lend' (e.g., 'lend credence to') to sound even more polished. It's very common in academic writing.
Don't confuse with 'Credit'
While related, 'giving credit' usually means praising someone for work, while 'giving credence' means believing an idea.
15秒了解
- To accept something as true or valid.
- Often used when evaluating rumors or theories.
- Implies a deliberate choice to trust information.
What It Means
To give credence to is about granting legitimacy to an idea. It comes from the Latin word credere, which means to believe. When you use this phrase, you aren't just saying something is true. You are saying that the evidence or the source makes it believable. It is like giving a VIP pass to a rumor so it can enter the room of 'facts.'
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase when discussing rumors, theories, or arguments. It often appears in the negative to dismiss nonsense. For example, 'I don't give any credence to that gossip.' You can also use it to show how new evidence supports an old idea. Think of it as a scale. Your belief is the weight you put on one side.
When To Use It
Use this in a meeting when a colleague makes a surprisingly good point. Use it when you are reading a news story that finally seems plausible. It’s perfect for those 'Aha!' moments where a theory starts to make sense. You might use it while debating with a friend about why a movie sequel failed. It adds a touch of intellectual flair to your conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for simple, everyday facts. You wouldn't say, 'I give credence to the fact that it is raining.' That sounds like you're trying too hard to be a philosopher. Avoid it in very casual settings like shouting over loud music at a party. It’s a bit too 'heavy' for lighthearted banter about what pizza toppings are best. Keep it for things that require a bit of thought.
Cultural Background
This phrase has a very academic and journalistic history. In English-speaking cultures, being skeptical is often seen as a sign of intelligence. Therefore, 'giving credence' is a deliberate act of intellectual honesty. It’s a way of saying, 'I’ve thought about this, and it’s not just nonsense.' It’s a staple in British and American broadsheet newspapers.
Common Variations
You will often hear lend credence to. This is almost identical in meaning. Some people say gain credence when an idea becomes popular. You might also hear attach credence to. They all revolve around the same theme of belief and validity. Just remember: you are the one holding the 'credence' and deciding where to give it.
使用说明
This is a C2-level expression. It is best suited for formal writing, professional debates, or intellectual discussions. Using it in very casual slang-heavy environments might make you sound a bit stiff.
The 'Lend' Alternative
You can swap 'give' for 'lend' (e.g., 'lend credence to') to sound even more polished. It's very common in academic writing.
Don't confuse with 'Credit'
While related, 'giving credit' usually means praising someone for work, while 'giving credence' means believing an idea.
The Skeptic's Tool
In English debates, saying 'I'm prepared to give some credence to that' is a polite way to agree with someone you usually disagree with.
例句
6I wouldn't give much credence to the rumor that the office is closing.
I wouldn't give much credence to the rumor that the office is closing.
Used here to dismiss a worry as unlikely to be true.
Recent findings give credence to the theory of a hidden planet.
Recent findings give credence to the theory of a hidden planet.
New evidence is making the theory more believable.
Do you really give any credence to what that tabloid says?
Do you really give any credence to what that tabloid says?
A slightly more sophisticated way to say 'Do you believe that?'
The only thing giving credence to your alien theory is your tinfoil hat!
The only thing giving credence to your alien theory is your tinfoil hat!
Using a formal phrase to mock a silly situation.
It's hard to give credence to his apologies after he lied so many times.
It's hard to give credence to his apologies after he lied so many times.
Expressing a lack of trust due to past behavior.
We cannot give credence to testimony that hasn't been verified.
We cannot give credence to testimony that hasn't been verified.
Standard professional usage regarding evidence.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the sentence.
The DNA evidence helped ___ credence to the detective's original hunch.
We 'give' or 'lend' credence to show we believe something.
Decide if the phrase fits this context.
I don't give any ___ to the idea that the moon is made of cheese.
'Credence' refers to belief, while 'credenza' is a piece of furniture!
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Give Credence To'
Buying it / Believing it
I don't buy that story.
Taking it seriously
I'm taking his claims seriously.
Giving credence to
The board gave credence to the report.
When to Give Credence
Scientific Discovery
New data supports the hypothesis.
Courtroom/Legal
A witness seems very reliable.
Journalism
Verifying a source's story.
Office Politics
Deciding if a rumor is true.
常见问题
10 个问题Not necessarily. It means you find it plausible or worthy of consideration, like saying I think there is some truth here.
Usually, we give credence to *ideas*, *theories*, or *claims*, not the person themselves. You'd say I give credence to his story, not I give him credence.
It is used in both! It is a standard part of high-level English across the globe.
Yes, it's perfect for professional emails when discussing reports or suggestions, such as The data gives credence to your proposal.
You could say you are dismissing an idea or discrediting it. You can also simply say you give no credence to it.
Believe is personal and simple. Give credence to sounds more objective, like you are judging based on evidence.
Yes, it can be used sarcastically. For example: I don't give much credence to your claim that the dog ate your homework.
Not really. You'll mostly see it inside this specific phrase or in the word credentials.
It is always to. You give something *to* a recipient. In this case, the recipient is the idea.
It sounds sophisticated and educated, but not 'old.' It's very common in modern news and podcasts.
相关表达
Lend weight to
Hold water
Bear out
Add fuel to the fire
Take at face value
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