accredit
accredit Lexical Profile
accredit Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To grant official recognition, certification, or approval to an institution, program, or individual as meeting a prescribed standard.
"The national board voted to accredit the new nursing program after a thorough review of its curriculum."
To send or appoint an envoy, ambassador, or journalist with official credentials to a foreign government or organization.
"The administration decided to accredit a new ambassador to the United Nations."
To attribute or give credit to someone for an achievement, statement, or discovery.
"Historians generally accredit the invention of the printing press with movable type in Europe to Johannes Gutenberg."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'credit' is the standard verb for attributing an achievement to someone in general usage, 'accredit' is preferred for formal institutional certification or diplomatic appointment.
• Rhymes for accredit
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from French accréditer, formed from à ('to') and crédit ('credit, trust'), ultimately from Latin credere ('to believe or trust').