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Synonyms

certified

American  
[sur-tuh-fahyd] / ˈsɜr təˌfaɪd /

adjective

  1. having or proved by a certificate.

    a certified representative.

  2. guaranteed; reliably endorsed.

    a certified check.

  3. legally declared insane.

  4. committed to a mental institution.


certified British  
/ ˈsɜːtɪˌfaɪd /

adjective

  1. holding or guaranteed by a certificate

  2. endorsed or guaranteed

    a certified cheque

  3. (of a person) declared legally insane

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of certified

First recorded in 1605–15; certify + -ed 2

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.

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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.

See Examples For:

Amy’s certified public accountant wrote that the bookkeeper was under “direction to not reply or provide information” to one of Sandy’s attorneys.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 25, 2026

For Luke Delorme, a certified financial planner in Great Barrington, Mass., AI is especially valuable in capturing and retaining client information.

From MarketWatch Jul. 24, 2026

Another requires pharmacies to be specially certified and maintain detailed records, and a third makes patients review counseling that critics called inaccurate.

From Barron's Jul. 24, 2026

For a UK case, the CPS prepares a request which is certified by a judge.

From BBC Jul. 20, 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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