Accredit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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accredit

[əˈkrɛdɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

education

To officially recognize or approve a person, organization, or program as meeting certain standards or requirements.

Synonyms

authorize, certify, endorse.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accredit

Generally used when officially recognizing or giving authority to someone or an organization, particularly in educational or professional contexts.

  • The university has been accredited by the national education board.
  • The hospital is accredited to provide specialized care to children.
certify

Typically used when officially stating that something meets certain standards or requirements, often involving tests or inspections.

  • He is certified as a medical practitioner.
  • This product has been certified to meet all safety regulations.
endorse

Often used when someone publicly supports or approves something, such as a product, a candidate, or an idea; can also imply a consideration of personal benefit.

  • The celebrity endorsed the new brand of sneakers.
  • The committee has endorsed several reforms to improve transparency.
authorize

Used when giving permission or power to someone to do something, often in legal or formal scenarios.

  • The manager authorized the payment of the invoice.
  • Only the director can authorize access to these confidential files.

Examples of usage

  • The university was accredited by the state board.
  • She accredits her success to hard work and dedication.
Context #2 | Verb

business

To give official authorization or recognition to someone or something.

Synonyms

approve, certify, validate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
accredit

Use 'accredit' when officially recognizing someone or something as having met certain standards, often used for organizations, institutions, or individuals in professional roles.

  • The university was accredited by the national education board.
  • She is an accredited journalist working for the international news agency.
certify

Use 'certify' when someone officially declares something to be true, especially formal documents, qualifications, or standards.

  • The product was certified as safe by the health department.
  • He is certified to work as an electrician.
approve

Use 'approve' when giving formal or official consent to something, often used in the context of permissions, plans, or documents.

  • The council approved the new building project.
  • Her loan application was approved by the bank.
validate

Use 'validate' when confirming the legitimacy, accuracy, or truth of something, often used in legal, technical, or formal contexts.

  • The results were validated by independent experts.
  • She needed to validate her parking ticket before leaving.

Examples of usage

  • The company was accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
  • The organization accredits training programs for professionals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Many schools and universities must go through an accreditation process to be recognized for their quality.
  • Accredited institutions are often more trustworthy in accordance with education standards.
  • In professional fields, accreditation can be vital for practicing, such as in medicine or engineering.

Professional Standards

  • Accreditation bodies regularly evaluate organizations to ensure they meet specific quality criteria.
  • This process can lead to enhanced credibility in various industries, including healthcare and education.
  • Accredited professionals often have better job opportunities, as employers trust their qualifications.

Global Importance

  • In different countries, accreditation can vary, affecting how institutions rank and are viewed internationally.
  • Some international organizations provide global accreditation, influencing worldwide professional standards.
  • Discrepancies in accreditation policies can affect student mobility and job prospects across borders.

Cultural Impact

  • Certain certifications can influence public perception, creating a cultural cachet around specific professions.
  • In creative fields, such as journalism, accreditation can symbolize integrity and journalistic standards.
  • Culturally, accreditation assures the public about the quality and reliability of services offered.

Origin of 'accredit'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'accreditare', meaning 'to believe' or 'to trust'.
  • In the 16th century, it entered the English language, originally used in the context of financial trust.
  • The prefix 'ac-' means 'to' in Latin, indicating a movement toward recognition.

The word 'accredit' originated from the Latin word 'accreditare', which means 'to give credence to' or 'to believe in'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. Over time, 'accredit' has evolved to mean officially recognizing or approving someone or something as meeting certain standards or requirements.


See also: credential, creditability, creditable, creditor, credits, creditworthy, discredit, discreditable, uncredited.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,350 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.