cred-, credit-, creed-

1. To set forth as believable; to declare that an organization or a person can provide the kind of services desired by others: The educational association only accredits programs that meet its high standards.
2. Officially to recognize a person or organization as having met the standards needed to accomplish what is required: The new dictionary program was accredited by the lexicography institute.
3. To send an ambassador, or other important official, to represent a country: Victor will be accredited as the new official representative for his country next week.

The granting of approval and certification to an institution of learning by an official review board after the school has met specific requirements.

Referring to proof of qualifications that are publicly or officially recognized after meeting certain standards.

The action of vouching for or supplying evidence that certifies whether someone or an organization is officially recognized as an authorized provider of specifc services: "The accrediting agency of the United Nations approved the establishment of educational programs for the multitudes of refugees who were forced to leave their country because of the war."

Translation: "Seize or take advantage of the day and place no trust in tomorrow."

"Enjoy the present moment and don't depend on there being a tomorrow." -Horace

A continuing traditional theme in lyric poetry, dating back at least to Koheleth's "Eat, drink, and be merry" (based on Ecclesiastes 8:15). The phrase carpe diem exemplifies the spirit of hedonism and Epicureanism, i.e., the enjoyment of the moment and recognition of the transient nature of life.

So, carpe diem came from ancient times until the present with the advice often and variously expressed as: "Enjoy yourself while you have the chance"; "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die"; "Make hay while the sun shines"; "Enjoy yourself, it's later than you think."

William Safire had a different attitude regarding carpe diem when he wrote: "Seize the day has come to mean ‘strike while the iron is hot.' No longer is carpe diem the what-the-hell attitude of the dwellers in the present; it has become the battle cry of the gutsy opportunist with an eye on the future."

Many famous poems develop this "live it up now" theme; such as , the following by Robert Herrick (1591-1674):

Translation:

To entrust, to confide, or to commit to a person and to give oneself into his or her charge.

Pertaining to or characterized by a formula of religious belief.

1. A mental belief that something is true: The new evidence gives some credence to the theory proposed by the professor.

Credence is close in meaning to belief; however, it is seldom applied in connection with faith in a religion or philosophy and it is more often used with reference to reports, rumors, and opinions.

2. Acceptance based on the degree to which something is believable: Claims that a political candidate can become the nest President of the U.S. gain credence only after he or she has won enough primaries. © ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
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Disposed to give credence; ready to believe.

Latin for things to be believed; propositions forming or belonging to a system of belief; matters of faith. Opposed to agenda, things to be done, matters of practice.

Doctrines to be believed; matters of faith.

1. Believing, trustful, confiding; one who believes; a believer.
2. Having credit or repute; credible.

A document which shows that a person is suited or qualified to do a job, a project, etc.: Jim's experience as a manager is his strongest credential for being appointed head of the research department.

The school administrator asked the college graduate if she had a teaching credential before the final decision was made to include her as a member of the faculty.

Characteristic of having the qualifications which show that a person has been trained or has suitable training and/or experience for a job: The local school has a staff of credentialed teachers and administrators.

1. The ability to inspire belief or trust: Andre's story about why he was so late in coming home the other evening had enough credibility to convince his parents that he was telling the truth.
2. A willingness to accept something as true, believable, or plausible: The financial scandal damaged the credibility of the politician as an honest and and trustworthy candidate. © ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
for a list of additional Mickey Bach illustrations.