Y06W17VC Word Roots — -cred- (believe)

The root -cred- comes from Latin and means 'to believe' or 'to trust'. It appears in words that relate to belief, trustworthiness, reputation and the acceptance of something as true. Understanding -cred- helps students decode unfamiliar words in formal, academic and persuasive contexts. This module explores six key words built with this root alongside three Word Families examples.

Word Families

These three words all contain -cred-. As you read, notice how the meaning 'believe' helps you work out each word.

credible

/ˈkredɪbəl/

cred‑i‑ble

adjective

Able to be trusted or believed; convincing and reliable.

Word Breakdown: -cred- (root meaning 'to believe')

Example: A credible argument is supported by accurate evidence from reliable sources.

Synonyms: believable, trustworthy, convincing

Collocations: a credible source, credible evidence, appear credible

credit

/ˈkredɪt/

cred‑it

noun / verb | [credit – credited – credited]

Recognition or acknowledgement given to someone for an achievement or contribution. As a verb, to attribute something to someone.

Example: She was given full credit for the original idea that led to the project's success.

Synonyms: recognition, acknowledgement, praise

Collocations: give credit to, take credit, credit for

incredible

/ɪnˈkredɪbəl/

in‑cred‑i‑ble

adjective

Impossible or very difficult to believe; also used informally to describe something extraordinary.

Example: The archaeologists made an incredible discovery that completely changed our understanding of the ancient site.

Synonyms: unbelievable, extraordinary, remarkable

Collocations: incredible discovery, an incredible achievement, almost incredible

Academic Vocab

clarify

/ˈklærɪfaɪ/

clar‑i‑fy

verb | [clarify – clarified – clarified]

To make something easier to understand by explaining it more clearly.

Word family: clarify (v.), clarification (n.), clarity (n.)

Example: The teacher asked the student to clarify her argument before the class discussion began.

Synonyms: explain, clear up, elaborate

Collocations: clarify a point, seek clarification, clarify the meaning

explain

/ɪkˈspleɪn/

ex‑plain

verb | [explain – explained – explained]

To make something clear by describing it in detail or giving reasons for it.

Word family: explain (v.), explanation (n.), explanatory (adj.)

Example: Students were asked to explain their reasoning in full sentences rather than just listing points.

Synonyms: clarify, describe, account for

Collocations: explain why, explain the concept, provide an explanation

distinguish

/dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/

dis‑tin‑guish

verb | [distinguish – distinguished – distinguished]

To notice or show a difference between two or more things.

Word family: distinguish (v.), distinction (n.), distinct (adj.)

Example: Good writers can distinguish between a first-person and third-person narrative voice.

Synonyms: differentiate, tell apart, separate

Collocations: distinguish between, make a distinction, clearly distinguished

precise

/prɪˈsaɪs/

pre‑cise

adjective

Exact and accurate, with no room for error or vagueness.

Word family: precise (adj.), precision (n.), precisely (adv.)

Example: Using precise vocabulary helps writers communicate exactly what they mean without confusion.

Synonyms: exact, accurate, specific

Collocations: precise language, be precise, a precise definition

accurate

/ˈækjərət/

ac‑cu‑rate

adjective

Correct in every detail; free from errors.

Word family: accurate (adj.), accuracy (n.), accurately (adv.)

Example: Scientists must ensure their measurements are accurate before drawing any conclusions.

Synonyms: correct, exact, precise

Collocations: accurate information, accurate data, factually accurate

in other words

/ɪn ˈʌðə wɜːdz/

in oth‑er words

phrase

‘In other words’ restates an idea in a clearer or simpler way.

Example: The animal is nocturnal; in other words, it is active at night.

Synonyms: that is, put simply, to put it another way

Collocations: in other words, this means; in other words, the writer; in other words, it shows

Confusing Words

further vs farther

Further and farther are often used interchangeably, but in formal writing they have distinct meanings. Further refers to a greater extent, degree or additional amount — it is used for figurative or abstract ideas — for example, 'The committee decided to investigate the matter further before reaching a conclusion.'

  • further — Further' is used for extra information, progress or non-physical distance — for example, 'We need further research.'
  • farther — Farther refers to a greater physical distance — for example, 'The second campsite is farther from the river than the first.'

Memory rule: A quick guide: if you can measure the distance in metres or kilometres, use farther. If the idea is about 'more' in a general sense — more investigation, more detail, more time — use further. In Australian English, 'further' is acceptable in both contexts in informal use, but keeping them separate is more precise.