give credit
giv KRED-it
/ɡɪv ˈkrɛdɪt/
To acknowledge someone's contribution or quality.
Often used in the phrase 'give credit where credit is due'.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'credere', meaning to believe. When you give someone credit, you are stating your 'belief' in their contribution.
Word relationships
- acknowledge: Acknowledge is more formal and can refer to simply noticing something.
- recognize: Recognize often implies a formal reward or public statement.
- plagiarize: Plagiarize is to take credit for someone else's work.
Commonly confused with
- take credit: 'Take credit' is when you claim the praise for yourself; 'give credit' is when you praise others.
Word family
- credible (adjective): Able to be believed.
Collocations
- due credit
- full credit
- partial credit
Idioms & expressions
- give credit where it's due
Example sentences
- "Give credit where credit is due." A quote about fairness.
- "We must give credit to the marketing team for the successful launch." A team meeting.
Memory hook
When you give credit, you are saying 'I believe (credo) you did this'. Believe them, give credit.
When not to use
Do not confuse with financial credit (e.g., 'giving a credit card').
Fun facts
- The word 'creed' comes from the same root as 'credit'.
Related words
Explore more words
credit, tribute, attribution, credibility, credence, ascribe
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