Creditable

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈkrɛdɪtəbəl/

Definitions

• Creditable (adjective): Deserving of praise or approval; worthy of being trusted or believed in.
• Creditable (adjective): Of good quality or performance, but not necessarily outstanding.

Usage Examples

• Her work on the project was creditable, and she was praised by her manager.
• The team's performance was creditable, even though they didn't win the championship.
• He made a creditable effort to improve his presentation skills over the course of the year.

Etymology

Derived from the word "credit" (meaning belief or trust) combined with the suffix "-able," indicating the ability to do something. The word "creditable" has been used since the 17th century to describe something worthy of being trusted or praised.

Synonyms

• Admirable
• Commendable
• Respectable
• Honorable
• Reputable

Antonyms

• Discreditable
• Unworthy
• Dishonorable
• Shameful
• Unimpressive

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In American English, the "e" in "creditable" is often pronounced as a short "e" (/ɛ/), while in British English, it is pronounced with a longer vowel sound (/iː/).
• In some accents, the "t" sound may be softened in casual speech, making the word sound like "cre-dit-able."

Historical Usage

The word "creditable" originated in the 17th century, when "credit" referred not only to financial trust but also to one's reputation and personal worth. Over time, it expanded to encompass general praise or commendation for actions, achievements, or qualities. Today, it is used in contexts ranging from personal character assessment to evaluations of performance in various fields.

Cultural Nuances

The term "creditable" is often used in professional and academic settings to acknowledge effort or achievement that is recognized but not necessarily outstanding. In certain cultures, being called "creditable" can imply that one has met expectations, though it may not equate to extraordinary success. In business and finance, it is a term that reflects a company's or individual's positive reputation or reliability without implying excessive excellence.

More Information

"Creditable" is frequently used in assessing performance in contexts like education, sports, and business. While the term acknowledges effort, it does not always carry the same weight as terms like "commendable" or "admirable." In financial contexts, a creditable company or individual is one that can be trusted to fulfill commitments, but they may not necessarily be considered a top performer. The word's flexibility makes it useful for both formal and informal assessments.