Credence (noun)

1. Belief in or acceptance of something as true.
2. The likelihood that something is true or real.
3. The state of being credible or trustworthy.

Origin:

Middle english, from old french, from latin credentia belief, from credent-, credens, present participle of credere to believe.

Examples:

1. The testimony of the eyewitnesses gives credence to the prosecution's theory.
2. The study's findings lend credence to the notion that diet plays a role in heart disease.
3. The company's reputation for honesty and integrity lends credence to its claims.
4. The scientific evidence gave credence to the theory.
5. The rumors were given credence by the media.