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 agency has certified, in writing, that the document is not in compliance with the Ethics in Government Act.
From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026
The Green Spot also uses staff members who have been certified to act as guards, rather than hire an outside company.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
They also said Forestry England managed the nation's forests, following "world-class, independently certified, sustainable forest and land management standards" to ensure they thrive and provide vital sustainably produced timber.
From BBC • May 2, 2026
The compilation album became the first-ever platinum certified country record, Rolling Stone reports.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
This girl, my BFF, is a certified genius.
From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty
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.
