Creeds Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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creeds

[kriหdz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

belief system

Creeds are formal statements of the beliefs or principles that are important to a particular group or organization. They are often used in religious contexts to outline the core tenets of faith.

Synonyms

doctrine, principle, tenet.

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Word Description / Examples
creeds

Often used in religious or ideological contexts, referring to a set of beliefs or aims guiding a person's actions or a group's ideology.

  • She followed the creeds of her faith closely.
  • The organization was divided by conflicting creeds.
doctrine

Typically used in religious, political, or legal contexts, referring to a set of beliefs or policies held and promoted by an organization, especially a church or government. It often implies a structured and authoritative framework.

  • The churchโ€™s doctrine is based on traditional values.
  • The military operates under a strict doctrine of conduct.
principle

This word is often used in broader, more practical contexts. It refers to fundamental truths or propositions that serve as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior.

  • Honesty is a principle that he lives by.
  • They made decisions based on the principle of fairness.
tenet

Commonly used in philosophical, religious, or ideological contexts. It refers to any principle, belief, or doctrine that is generally held to be true within a particular group or organization.

  • A key tenet of their philosophy is self-reliance.
  • The tenets of democracy include freedom and equality.

Examples of usage

  • Members of the church recite the creed together during Sunday services.
  • The creed of the political party emphasizes equality and social justice.
Context #2 | Noun

personal conviction

Creeds can also refer to personal beliefs or convictions that guide an individual's actions and decisions. These creeds are often deeply held and shape a person's worldview.

Synonyms

belief, conviction, philosophy.

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Word Description / Examples
creeds

Refers to a formal statement of religious beliefs or confessions of faith, often associated with churches or religious groups.

  • The Nicene and Apostles' Creeds are central to many Christian denominations
belief

A general term for an acceptance that something exists or is true, without necessarily requiring proof. Can be used in both religious and non-religious contexts.

  • Her belief in the power of kindness is inspiring
  • He has a strong belief in democracy
conviction

Denotes a firmly held belief or opinion, often with a sense of personal commitment and certainty.

  • Despite the controversy, she spoke with conviction about her findings
  • His conviction that he was right was unshakeable
philosophy

Describes a set of guiding principles, values, or beliefs, often related to how one approaches life or specific fields like ethics or education.

  • His philosophy on life is to live fully and without regrets
  • The company's business philosophy emphasizes customer satisfaction

Examples of usage

  • She lives by the creed of honesty and integrity in all her dealings.
  • His creed of hard work and perseverance has led to his success.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Religion

  • Different religions have unique creeds, like the Nicene Creed in Christianity, which outlines key beliefs about God and Jesus.
  • In Islam, the Shahada serves as a declaration of faith and is considered a foundational creed.
  • Buddhism emphasizes the importance of understanding the Four Noble Truths, which can be seen as a foundational creed in its teachings.

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, a creed can represent a personal guiding principle that influences a person's actions and decisions.
  • Existentialists often challenge established creeds, encouraging individuals to create their own meaning and values.
  • Many philosophical movements have developed creeds aimed at summarizing complex ideas in a simple way.

Cultural Impact

  • Creeds have inspired art, literature, and social movements by encapsulating collective beliefs and inspiring others.
  • The idea of a 'creed' often appears in discussions about identity, as it helps to define individuals' and groups' core values.
  • Creeds can serve as a source of unity or division, depending on how they are interpreted and expressed within societies.

Education

  • In educational settings, schools may have their own creeds or mission statements to reflect their values and goals.
  • Teaching students about various creeds can promote understanding and respect for different cultures and beliefs.
  • Educational creeds encourage critical thinking by asking students to examine their own beliefs and the beliefs of others.

Origin of 'creeds'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'creed' comes from the Latin word 'credo', meaning 'I believe'.
  • In Old English, variations of the word referred to a 'statement of faith' or 'trust'.
  • Creeds have been used since ancient times to summarize beliefs in various cultures and religions.

The word 'creed' originated from the Latin word 'credo', which means 'I believe'. Creeds have been used throughout history in various religious traditions to articulate the core beliefs of the faith. Over time, the term has also come to encompass personal beliefs and values that individuals hold dear.


See also: creed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,641, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.