credo

USAGE SUMMARY

"credo" is a correct and commonly used word in written English.
It is a Latin word which is also used in English, typically meaning "I believe". For example, you could say: "I believe in the power of hard work, and that is my credo."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However what seems to have been lost in the political fray – sadly, in both hemispheres now – is the credo of a civil society that enshrines that seeking asylum is not illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

That means offering competence, optimism not fatalism, an end to machine politics, an economic credo that is both pro-worker and pro-business and, most of all, a politics that starts with what unites us as a country rather than what divides us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Do you know the 14 words?" – a reference to the white nationalist credo: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children".

The Guardian - Tech

His credo is to always look ahead.

The Guardian

Ever more go to university, travel abroad and need ideas to stay employable and will pay for an impartial view of the world, one where the editor, whatever his faults (or from now on, her virtues), is in nobody's pocket.Fighting new battlesThe same guarded hopefulness applies to an Economist editor's only true master: the liberal credo of open markets and individual freedom.

The Economist

He could formally commit himself to the democratic credo already voiced by open-minded Islamists in other countries.What people believe or do not believe, says this credo, is their own private business; the state should keep its nose out.

The Economist

Rather more ambiguous was his elucidation of his "small government, big people" credo.

The Economist

The new credo that companies should "stick to their knitting"—meaning they should hand over everything but their core businesses to external specialists.

The Economist

Yet he seems quite convinced that the expansionist credo he once heard from an extremist settler is also, secretly, state policy.Standing in his village, Ras at-Tira, one starts to see why.

The Economist

Virtually all those countries that once embraced a Marxist credo have now forsaken it; few even call themselves socialist any more.

The Economist

This early version of secularism did not last long; by the end of that century, Christianity had become an official credo, with the emperor enforcing its doctrines.I spent the final part of last week at a gathering in Istanbul which commemorated the Edict of Milan as a landmark in the history of religious freedom.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When attributing a “credo” to a person or organization, ensure that it accurately reflects their expressed beliefs and is not simply an assumption.

Common error

Avoid using "credo" lightly to describe superficial preferences or transient opinions. It's best reserved for deeply held, foundational beliefs that significantly influence one's behavior or outlook.

Linguistic Context

The word "credo" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a set of beliefs or principles that guide someone's actions or decisions. It is used to encapsulate a comprehensive system of values, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "credo" is a noun used to represent a set of beliefs that guide someone’s actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and commonly used word. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives include "belief system", "guiding principle", and "core values". When using "credo", ensure it reflects deeply held beliefs and not just fleeting opinions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

belief system

Emphasizes the systematic nature of beliefs.

guiding principle

Focuses on principles that direct actions and decisions.

core values

Highlights the central values that underpin a person's or organization's actions.

moral code

Specifies a set of moral rules or ethical standards.

philosophical stance

Indicates a more intellectual and considered position.

ideological conviction

Stresses a strong, often political, belief.

article of faith

Highlights beliefs accepted without proof.

fundamental tenet

Focuses on the basic principles or doctrines.

doctrine

A set of beliefs taught or advocated.

worldview

Encompasses a comprehensive perspective on the world.

FAQs

How can I use "credo" in a sentence?

You can use "credo" to describe a system of beliefs that guides someone's actions. For example, "His business decisions are driven by his credo of sustainability and social responsibility."

What's a good alternative to "credo"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "belief system", "guiding principle", or "core values".

Is it appropriate to use "credo" in formal writing?

Yes, "credo" is suitable for formal writing when you need a concise way to refer to a set of fundamental beliefs or principles, especially in business or academic contexts.

How does a "credo" differ from a "mission statement"?

A "credo" describes core beliefs and values, while a "mission statement" typically outlines the goals and purpose of an organization. A "mission statement" is action-oriented, whereas a "credo" is belief-oriented.