What is the meaning of creed, and how is it used in a sentence? This article will explain everything you need to know about the word creed.
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Kevin
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March 28, 2022
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Whether you know it as the name of Dunder Mifflin’s finest quality assurance manager (AKA, Creed Bratton) or as something you hear from your pastor at Sunday Mass, you’ve likely seen the word creed — but what does it mean?
We’ll tell you. In this post, we’re exploring the term creed to uncover its definition, origin, synonyms, and more. Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
What Is the Definition of Creed?
Let’s jump in by looking at the many dictionaries of the world to better understand the definition of the word creed. According to Collins English Dictionary, creed is a noun defined as a system of belief or opinion.
Alternatively, creed is also any formal statement of religious beliefs. For example, the law prohibits all discrimination due to the color of your skin, race, or creed. In essence, a creed refers to an authoritative and formulated statement of the chief articles of Christian belief, like the Athanasian Creed, the Apostles’ Creed, or the Nicene Creed.
Fun fact: This latter meaning was actually the original meaning behind creed; to learn how it became the less popular definition, we need to study the etymology of the word creed.
What Is the Origin of Creed?
We can dive a bit deeper into the definition of creed by looking into its origin or etymology. The etymology of a word is the study of its origin, its history, and how the meaning behind a word may have changed over time.
Think back on your favorite television show; as you learned the main character’s backstory, you grasped how they felt and better understood the storyline.
The same can be said here as we learn a word’s backstory (or its etymology); we better grasp not only its definition but how to properly use it in all forms of communication.
The noun creed derives from Middle English crede from Old English crēda, which itself stemmed from Latin crēdō or Latin credo, meaning “I believe.” Old English creda (or credere; akin to Old Irish cretim, and Sanskrit रद्दध्मि; crat + dh) is by definition a statement of Christian belief or a confession of faith.
Examples of Creed in a Sentence
Study the below example sentences using creed to get a better handle on this word’s definition. When we use new words in sentences, it can help us to memorize their definitions — try using creed in a sentence today!
Now that we have talked about the definition of creed, it’s time to practice using it in a sentence.
To help learn the proper usage of creed we have put together several examples for you below:
As sworn-in members, you must all follow the creed of our fraternity.
Did you know that the Athanasian Creed is a Christian statement of belief?
You can call it by any name you’d like, but Anti-Semitism is the creed of many unsuccessful and resentful people.
Hold the phone — are you telling me that your uncle from Scotland is actually a member of Creed?
Did you know that the word creed can also refer to the Canadian inventor who was noted for his invention of the teleprinter?
During our studies, the professor really drove home that Liberalism was much more than a political creed.
Luckily for us, the creed of our era is peace.
Our family creed may be biblical in nature but focuses mainly on respect and love.
The written body of teachings of a religious group is known as the creed.
Do you have any idea why the proposal to draw up a new creed was shot down?
Simply put, a Creed, or Rule of Faith, or Symbol, is simply a confession of faith for public use
I will be honest; I am a bit perplexed about this anti-democratic creed I keep hearing about.
Tom always held an optimistic creed and as such looked at Social Liberalism dearly.
Did you know that the Nicene Creed begins by stating your belief in one Lord Jesus Christ?
What Are Synonyms of Creed?
As we learn more and more about the meaning of a word, a helpful tool to further memorize the definition is by learning the synonyms of a word.
Synonyms not only help us with getting the definition to stick with us, but they are also a great tool to use in an effort to not repeat ourselves in long written works or conversations.
Synonyms of creed include:
- Gospel
- Religious persuasion
- Doctrine
- Canons
- Religious belief
- Religious conviction
- Dogma
- Denomination
- Charity
- Conviction
- Credo
- Catechism
- Weltanschauung
- The Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit
- Maxims
- Standards of behavior
- Dictates of conscience
- Honour
- Formula of religious belief
- Decency
- Conscience
- Communion
- Cult
- Religious order
- Ideology
- Tenet
- Religious group
- Rights and wrongs
What Are Antonyms of Creed?
We have learned similar words or synonyms; however, it is helpful to study words with the opposite meaning or antonyms as well.
With our knowledge of antonyms, we can choose the most appropriate word as we communicate with our peers and, in doing so, sharpen our overall sense of the English language.
Below we have included a list of antonyms of creed:
- Agnosticism
- Atheism
- Ambiguity
- Futility
- Heterodoxy
- Repudiation
- Incredulousness
- Immorality
- Indecency
- Dishonesty
- Disavowal
- Ignorance
- Delictum
- Malfeasance
- Senselessness
- Aimlessness
- Worthlessness
- Stupidity
- Insignificance
- Purposelessness
- Hindrance
- Fairness
- Contention
- Lack of belief
- Skepticism
Idioms That Mean Creed
An idiom is a widely used expression or saying that holds a meaning that is different from the expression’s literal meaning. Take, for example, if you are feeling “under the weather,” this does not mean you are standing outside in the rain — it means you are feeling unwell!
Below we have included a few of the more common idioms that hold the same meaning or similar meaning to creed:
- Golden rule
- Article of faith
- Gospel truth
- Inside story
- Statement of beliefs
- Nitty-gritty
- Profession of faith
Conclusion
Simply put, a creed is a set system of beliefs that will continually influence the way you live. In other words, Creed is not only the name of your friendly quality assurance manager!
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