Definition

A “credo” is a set of beliefs or principles that a person or organization holds as being fundamental or essential to their identity or mission.

Pronunciation

US English

UK English

Part of Speech

Noun

Synonyms

Belief system, philosophy, doctrine, ideology

Antonyms

Disbelief, skepticism, atheism

Word Forms

Part of Speech Words
Noun credo, credos
Verb None
Adjective None
Adverb None

Example Sentences

  • The company’s credo emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and customer satisfaction.

  • As a devout Catholic, her credo includes a belief in the sanctity of life and the importance of charity and compassion.

  • The political party’s credo emphasizes small government and individual liberty.

  • Their shared credo, encapsulated in the belief that kindness and empathy can change the world, fueled their tireless efforts to uplift marginalized communities, as they dedicated their lives to fostering inclusivity, justice, and compassion in every aspect of their work.

Usage

The word “credo” is derived from the Latin word “credo,” which means “I believe.” As a noun, “credo” refers to a set of beliefs or principles that a person or organization holds as being fundamental or essential to their identity or mission. It can also be used as a verb in the phrase “to credo,” which means to give expression to one’s beliefs or to proclaim one’s faith.

In religious contexts, the “credo” may refer to a specific statement of beliefs or creed that is used in liturgical services, such as the Nicene Creed in the Catholic Church. In business and organizational contexts, the “credo” may refer to a company or organization’s mission statement, values, or guiding principles. It can also refer to an individual’s personal beliefs or principles that guide their actions and decisions.

The word “credo” does not have any commonly used prefixes or suffixes, but it can be combined with other words to create new terms. For example, “neo-credo” may refer to a new or modern set of beliefs or principles, while “post-credo” may refer to a state of disbelief or skepticism after having held a particular set of beliefs. In music, a “credo” can refer to a specific part of the Catholic Mass or to a musical composition that sets the text of the Nicene Creed to music.