creed /kriːd/

(plural: creeds)

Origin

From Latin credo meaning "I believe", dating back to Old English crēda

Definitions

1. A formal statement or system of religious beliefs

   • "The Apostles' Creed is recited in many Christian churches."

2. A set of fundamental beliefs or guiding principles

   • "The company's creed emphasizes customer satisfaction above all else."
   • "Honesty was his personal creed."

Related Words

• Credence (n): belief, acceptance
• Credible (adj): believable, trustworthy
• Credibility (n): quality of being believable
• Credo (n): statement of beliefs or aims

Synonyms

• doctrine
• faith
• belief system
• principles
• ideology

Memory Tricks

1. Think "CREED = What I believe INDEED"
2. Remember its Latin root credo (I believe) - when you say a creed, you're saying what you believe in
3. Associate with popular band name "Creed" who often wrote songs about faith and beliefs

Usage Notes

• Often used in religious contexts but can apply to any formal set of beliefs
• Different from "motto" which is a short phrase expressing a guiding principle
• Frequently used in phrases like "against one's creed" or "according to one's creed"