1. A statement of belief: This is the most common meaning. A creed is a formal statement of the fundamental beliefs of a person or a group, especially a religious group. Examples include:
* The Nicene Creed: A statement of Christian belief affirmed by the early Church.
* The Apostles' Creed: A shorter statement of basic Christian beliefs.
* A personal creed: A set of principles or values that guide an individual's life.
2. A belief system: This meaning is less common. It can refer to a set of beliefs that are held by a person or group, regardless of whether they are formally stated. For example, someone might say "I live by a creed of honesty and hard work."
In summary, a creed is a set of beliefs, either formally stated or informally held, that guide a person or group's actions and worldview.