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.
The number of Certified Financial Planners doubled to 107,000 during his tenure, and their ranks became more diverse, although Keller says there’s still room for improvement on that score.
From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026
Prior to becoming a reporter, Cara worked as a Certified Public Accountant at PwC auditing banks and asset managers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026
The Certified Trading Card Association - based in the United States - said there had been a "large rise" in the number of thefts targeting US trading card stores.
From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026
The CFP Board, which manages the Certified Financial Planner designation, has a search engine to help individuals find financial planning professionals.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025
If he finds that you have sufficient funds, he writes or stamps Accepted or Certified on the check and signs his name.
From Business English A Practice Book by Buhlig, Rose
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.
