certified
Americanadjective
-
having or proved by a certificate.
a certified representative.
-
guaranteed; reliably endorsed.
a certified check.
-
legally declared insane.
-
committed to a mental institution.
adjective
-
holding or guaranteed by a certificate
-
endorsed or guaranteed
a certified cheque
-
(of a person) declared legally insane
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of certified
Explanation
If you've met a certain standard or proven that you're qualified for some specific job or task, you're certified. Most schools hire only certified teachers. In order for a person to become certified, there is usually some sort of test or review. A certified accountant has proven that she knows how to prepare tax forms and other financial records by taking classes and an exam. A certified diver has trained to use scuba gear and dive to a certain depth in the ocean, and demonstrated this ability. When you're certified in some way, you often receive a certificate, a document that proves it.
Vocabulary lists containing certified
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
California regulations are part of what’s keeping data centers relatively small: A state rule requires any backup generator bigger than 100 megawatts to be certified as a power plant.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026
“Unfortunately, most retirees don’t have the financial means to self-insure for a healthcare crisis,” said Chris Giambrone, a certified financial planner in New Hartford, N.Y.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 15, 2026
Those tests predate modern technology, as many court reporters now use audio recordings as a backup, says Allie Hall, a certified court reporter who runs a training program with about 800 enrollees currently.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 13, 2026
Sharon AI already was a certified Nvidia Cloud Partner before Friday, but the shine of a new Nvidia endorsement is often enough to boost stocks—including those much larger than Sharon AI.
From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026
He was not certified to teach in Arizona, but that did not stop him.
From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
