certified
Americanadjective
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having or proved by a certificate.
a certified representative.
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guaranteed; reliably endorsed.
a certified check.
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legally declared insane.
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committed to a mental institution.
adjective
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holding or guaranteed by a certificate
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endorsed or guaranteed
a certified cheque
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(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.
But California regulators certified a union representing Uber and Lyft drivers last month, marking a milestone in a years-long fight by gig workers in the state.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 13, 2026
The key to family harmony with either of these approaches is to maintain the person’s dignity as much as possible, said Kate Nattoli, a certified dementia practitioner with Crescent Grove Advisors.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026
Theirs is the first bison ranch in the state to be certified by Audubon as bird-friendly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 2, 2026
Ozuna said that her daughter, the kindergarten teacher, holds a college degree and is working toward becoming a certified teacher but has struggled to get through a series of financial hoops.
From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2026
They were practical professionals, like nurses and teachers and certified med techs.
From "The House That Lou Built" by Mae Respicio
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.