creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a brief authoritative formula of religious belief

the Nicene Creed

2

: a set of fundamental beliefs

also : a guiding principle

Never settle for mediocrity is his creed.

—Jill Lieber

creedal adjective

or credal

ˈkrē-dᵊl 

Synonyms

• credo
• doctrine
• dogma
• gospel
• ideology
• idealogy
• philosophy
• testament

Examples of creed in a Sentence

central to the creed of this organization of medical volunteers is the belief that health care is a basic human right

the Amish live by a strict creed that rejects many of the values and practices of modern society

Recent Examples on the Web

For tonight, our yard is open in unity for all people, all races, creeds, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024

The New York Constitution currently protects against unequal treatment based on race, color, creed and religion. —Kyla Guilfoil, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2024

On the debate stage, Vance tried to thread the needle of attracting moderates while staying true to the America First creed. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024

Putin began proclaiming a messianic creed of Russian fascism. —Philip Zelikow, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English crede, from Old English crēda, from Latin credo (first word of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds), from credere to believe, trust, entrust; akin to Old Irish cretid he believes, Sanskrit śrad-dadhāti

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

creed

noun

ˈkrēd 

1

: a statement of the basic beliefs of a religious faith

2

: a set of guiding principles or beliefs

Etymology

Middle English crede "creed," from Old English crēda (same meaning), from Latin credo, literally, "I believe" (used as the first words in many creeds), from credere "to believe, trust, entrust" — related to credentials, credit, incredible