Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Officially recognized or authorized: Having received formal approval or certification from a proper authority to perform a specific role or function.
   • Generally accepted as valid or trustworthy: Widely acknowledged or believed to be true or reliable, often due to endorsement by a credible source.

Usage

The adjective "accredited" is used to describe institutions, individuals, or information that has been formally approved or is considered trustworthy. It typically precedes the noun it modifies (e.g., an accredited school) or follows a linking verb (e.g., The program is accredited).

Examples

• The university is fully accredited by the national education board.
• Only accredited journalists were allowed into the press conference.
• She is the accredited representative of the company in this region.
• The news came from an accredited source, so we can trust its accuracy.

Advanced Usage

• "to be accredited to": To be officially appointed or assigned to a particular place or organization.
  • The new ambassador was accredited to the French government last month.
• In passive constructions, often followed by "by" to indicate the granting authority.
  • The laboratory is accredited by the international standards organization.

Variants and Related Words

• Accredit (verb): To give official authorization or recognition to someone or something.
  • The agency will accredit the new training program.
• Accreditation (noun): The act of granting official approval or the status itself.
  • The school's accreditation ensures the quality of its degrees.

Synonyms

• Authorized: Having official permission or approval.
• Certified: Officially recognized as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards.
• Recognized: Acknowledged as valid, legitimate, or authoritative.
• Licensed: Having a formal permit from an authority to do something.

Antonyms

• Unaccredited: Not officially recognized or authorized.
• Unauthorized: Without official permission or approval.

Related Phrases

• Accredited investor: (Finance) An individual or entity meeting specific financial criteria, allowing them to participate in certain high-risk investments.
  • The private equity fund is only open to accredited investors.
• Accredited school/college/program: An educational institution or course of study that has been officially recognized as meeting established standards.
  • It is important to attend an accredited program for your professional degree.

Adjective

1. given official approval to act
   • an accredited college
   • commissioned broker
   • licensed pharmacist
   • authorized representative