First Known Use: 1535
Dictionary
accredit
verb ac·cred·it \ə-ˈkre-dət\
: to say that something is good enough to be given official approval
: to give (someone) credit for something
: to send (someone, such as an ambassador) to act as an official representative
Full Definition of ACCREDIT
transitive verb
1
: to give official authorization to or approval of: a : to provide with credentials; especially : to send (an envoy) with letters of authorization b : to recognize or vouch for as conforming with a standard c : to recognize (an educational institution) as maintaining standards that qualify the graduates for admission to higher or more specialized institutions or for professional practice
2
: to consider or recognize as outstanding
3
— ac·cred·i·table \-də-tə-bəl\ adjective
— ac·cred·i·ta·tion \ə-ˌkre-də-ˈtā-shən, -ˈdā-\ noun
See accredit defined for English-language learners
See accredit defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of ACCREDIT
Latin accreditus, past participle of accredere to give credence to, from ad- + credere to believe — more at creed
Related to ACCREDIT
Synonym Discussion of ACCREDIT
approve, endorse, sanction, accredit, certify mean to have or express a favorable opinion of. approve often implies no more than this but may suggest considerable esteem or admiration <the parents approve of the marriage>. endorse suggests an explicit statement of support <publicly endorsed her for Senator>. sanction implies both approval and authorization <the President sanctioned covert operations>. accredit and certify usually imply official endorsement attesting to conformity to set standards <the board voted to accredit the college> <must be certified to teach>.
Other Education Terms
Learn More About ACCREDIT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: accredited investorPrevious Word in the Dictionary: accrdAll Words Near: accredit
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up accredit? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).