Cool MateConvincing vs Credible
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Convincing
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Credible
Top 3,000 (common)C1adjective
Most common: Convincing
| Convincing | Credible | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkredəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkredəbl/"]/ |
| Meaning | Able to make someone believe something is true. | Something that can be trusted or believed. |
| Example | a **convincing argument/explanation/case** | a **credible explanation/witness** |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | be, look, seem, extremely, fairly, very | appear, be, seem, highly, very, completely, appear, be, seem, highly, very, completely |
| Antonyms | unconvincing, disbelievable, implausible | unreliable, incredible, dubious |
| Common mistakes | Using 'convince' instead of 'convincing' incorrectly., Confusing the adjective 'convincing' with the noun 'conviction'., Forgetting to use the correct form of 'convince' when speaking. | Confused with 'credibility', which is a noun., Using 'credible' to describe people instead of their work or sources., Mispronouncing the word, especially the 'ble' ending. |
| Usage notes | Use 'convincing' to describe arguments, evidence, or people when they make others believe in a point or idea. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it in overly casual conversations. | Use 'credible' to describe sources of information, like news articles or experts. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in casual conversations and slang. |
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Frequently asked questions: Convincing vs Credible
What's the difference between Convincing and Credible?
Convincing: Able to make someone believe something is true. Credible: Something that can be trusted or believed.
Which is more common: Convincing and Credible?
Convincing is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Convincing and Credible?
Credible is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Convincing and Credible the same CEFR level?
Convincing: B2, Credible: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Convincing and Credible?
Convincing: adjective, Credible: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Convincing: a **convincing argument/explanation/case** Credible: a **credible explanation/witness**
Can I use Convincing and Credible interchangeably?
Not always. Convincing and Credible are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.