Authentic vs. Credible — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 16, 2024
Authentic refers to something genuine or real, while credible indicates that something is believable or trustworthy.
Difference Between Authentic and Credible
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Authentic refers to something that is genuine, original, and true to its nature. It implies an undisputed origin or authorship, often associated with cultural, historical, or personal integrity. Authenticity ensures that an item or information is what it claims to be without falsification. Credible, on the other hand, means that something is believable and trustworthy. It denotes the likelihood of being true or accurate based on evidence or reputation. Credibility is about the perception of reliability and the capacity to be convincing to others.
An authentic document or artifact is one that is verified as genuine, whereas a credible document is one that is deemed trustworthy and accurate based on the source or evidence supporting it.
Authentic experiences or products are valued for their originality and adherence to certain standards or traditions, while credible information or sources are trusted because they are consistent, well-researched, and verified.
Authentic can apply to tangible objects, experiences, or expressions, highlighting their real and unaltered state. Credible, however, often pertains to information, testimonies, or people, emphasizing the trustworthiness and reliability of the source.
Authenticity focuses on the inherent nature and verifiable origin of something, whereas credibility emphasizes the trust and confidence it inspires in others.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Genuine, original, true
Believable, trustworthy
Application
Objects, experiences, expressions
Information, testimonies, people
Focus
Inherent nature and origin
Perception of reliability
Verification
Provenance, undisputed authorship
Consistency, evidence
Value
Originality, adherence to standards
Trust, confidence
Compare with Definitions
Authentic
Verified as real or genuine.
The letter was confirmed to be an authentic historical document.
Credible
Capable of persuading people that something will happen or be successful.
The plan is credible and could work with proper resources.
Authentic
Based on facts; accurate.
The book provides an authentic account of ancient history.
Credible
Able to be believed; convincing.
The witness gave a credible account of the events.
Authentic
Conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features.
The restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine.
Credible
Worthy of belief; trustworthy.
The journalist is known for her credible reporting.
Authentic
True to one's own personality or character.
She gave an authentic performance that moved the audience.
Credible
Being plausible or acceptable.
The candidate's proposals were credible and well-received by the public.
Authentic
Of undisputed origin and not a copy; genuine
The letter is now accepted as an authentic document
Credible
Able to be believed; convincing
A credible witness
Few people found his story credible
Authentic
(of a church mode) containing notes between the final (the principal note) and the note an octave higher.
Credible
Capable of being believed; believable or plausible
A credible witness.
A credible explanation.
Authentic
Conforming to fact and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief
An authentic account by an eyewitness.
Credible
Considered capable of achieving a goal
The party must nominate a credible candidate for governor.
Authentic
Being so in fact; not fraudulent or counterfeit
An authentic medieval sword.
Credible
Being of sufficient military capability to deter an attack or carry out an operation successfully
Credible military force.
Authentic
(Law) Executed in a manner so as to produce legal effectiveness
An authentic deed.
Credible
Believable or plausible.
Think up a credible excuse
Credible alibi
Authentic
Of, relating to, or being a medieval mode having a range from its final tone to the octave above it.
Credible
Dependable or reliable.
Credible sources
Authentic
Of, relating to, or being a cadence with the dominant chord immediately preceding the tonic chord.
Credible
Authentic or convincing.
'''credible acting
Authentic
(Obsolete) Authoritative.
Credible
Capable of being credited or believed; worthy of belief; entitled to confidence; trustworthy.
Things are made credible either by the known condition and quality of the utterer or by the manifest likelihood of truth in themselves.
A very diligent and observing person, and likewise very sober and credible.
Authentic
Of the same origin as claimed; genuine.
The experts confirmed it was an authentic signature.
Credible
Capable of being believed;
Completely credible testimony
Credible information
Authentic
Conforming to reality and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief.
The report was completely authentic.
An authentic writer; an authentic portrait; authentic information
Credible
A common but incorrect usage where `credulous' would be appropriate;
She was not the...credible fool he expected
Authentic
Having the final as the lowest note of the mode.
Credible
Appearing to merit belief or acceptance;
A credible witness
A plausible story
Authentic
(obsolete) Authoritative.
Credible
Offering reasonable grounds for being believed.
The scientist presented credible evidence to support the theory.
Authentic
Having a genuine original or authority, in opposition to that which is false, fictitious, counterfeit, or apocryphal; being what it purports to be; genuine; not of doubtful origin; real; as, an authentic paper or register.
To be avengedOn him who had stole Jove's authentic fire.
Authentic
Authoritative.
Authentic
Of approved authority; true; trustworthy; credible; as, an authentic writer; an authentic portrait; authentic information.
Authentic
Vested with all due formalities, and legally attested.
Authentic
Having as immediate relation to the tonic, in distinction from plagal, which has a correspondent relation to the dominant in the octave below the tonic.
A genuine book is that which was written by the person whose name it bears, as the author of it. An authentic book is that which relates matters of fact as they really happened. A book may be genuine without being, authentic, and a book may be authentic without being genuine.
Authentic
An original (book or document).
Authentic
Conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief;
An authentic account by an eyewitness
Reliable information
Authentic
Not counterfeit or copied;
An authentic signature
A bona fide manuscript
An unquestionable antique
Photographs taken in a veritable bull ring
Authentic
Genuine or original in nature.
The museum displayed an authentic Van Gogh painting.
Common Curiosities
Can something be credible but not authentic?
Yes, a story or information can be believable without being genuine or original.
Can something be authentic but not credible?
Yes, an authentic artifact can be genuine but not necessarily seen as trustworthy if the context or evidence is lacking.
How does authenticity relate to value?
Authentic items or experiences are often valued for their originality and true nature.
What does authentic mean?
Authentic means something that is genuine, real, or true.
What does credible mean?
Credible refers to something that is believable or trustworthy.
How does credibility affect trust?
Credibility increases trust as it implies reliability and believability.
What is an example of something credible?
A research article published in a peer-reviewed journal is credible.
How is credibility established?
Credibility is established through consistent accuracy and trustworthy behavior.
What is an example of something authentic?
An original Picasso painting is authentic.
Can a person be authentic?
Yes, a person who is true to themselves and genuine in their actions is considered authentic.
Is authenticity subjective?
Authenticity can be subjective as it often depends on perception and context.
How is authenticity verified?
Authenticity is verified through provenance and evidence of origin.
Can a person be credible?
Yes, a person known for honesty and reliability is considered credible.
Is credibility subjective?
Credibility can also be subjective, influenced by personal beliefs and trust in the source.
Why is authenticity important?
Authenticity is important for maintaining integrity and originality.
Why is credibility important?
Credibility is important for building trust and confidence in information or sources.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
