The correct answer is: C. Assurance
Credence is a noun that means “belief in the truth or reliability of someone or something.” It can also mean “the quality of being believable.”
The word “assurance” has several meanings, including “the act of giving someone confidence or certainty” and “the state of being confident or certain.” In the context of the question, “assurance” is the most appropriate synonym for “credence” because it refers to the quality of being believable.
The other options are not as good synonyms for “credence.” “Preference” means “a greater liking for one alternative over another.” “Credit” means “the action of believing that someone is telling the truth” or “the action of giving someone praise or recognition.” “Belief” means “a feeling of certainty that something is true.”
While all of these words are related to “credence,” they do not capture the full meaning of the word. “Preference” is too narrow in scope, as it only refers to liking one thing more than another. “Credit” is too specific, as it only refers to believing that someone is telling the truth. “Belief” is too general, as it can refer to any kind of belief, not just belief in the truth or reliability of someone or something.
Therefore, the best synonym for “credence” is “assurance.”