To officially recognize that something meets required standards, or to believe that someone said or did something.
From French 'accréditer', combining 'a-' (to) with 'crédit' (credit, from Latin 'credere' meaning to believe or trust). The term entered English in the 17th century, originally used in diplomatic contexts to authorize ambassadors.
When you 'accredit' a university, you're essentially saying 'we believe it meets our standards'—the word literally means 'to give credit to', which is why it carries such authority in education and professional certification.
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