verification

American  

[ver-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌvɛr ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of verifying.

2. the state of being verified.

3. evidence that establishes or confirms the accuracy or truth of something.

   We could find no verification for his fantastic claims.

4. a formal assertion of the truth of something, as by oath or affidavit.

5. the process of research, examination, etc., required to prove or establish authenticity or validity.

6. Law. a short confirmatory affidavit at the end of a pleading or petition.

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verification British  

/ ˌvɛrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. establishment of the correctness of a theory, fact, etc

2. evidence that provides proof of an assertion, theory, etc

3. law

   1. (formerly) a short affidavit at the end of a pleading stating the pleader's readiness to prove his assertions

   2. confirmatory evidence

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Other Word Forms

• nonverification
  noun
• preverification
  noun
• reverification
  noun
• unverificative
  adjective
• verificative
  adjective
• verificatory
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of verification

1515–25; < Medieval Latin vērificātiōn (stem of vērificātiō ), equivalent to vērificāt ( us ) (past participle of vērificāre; see verify, -ate ¹) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Verification is an extra or final bit of proof that establishes something is true. To verify something is to make sure it's correct or true, so verification is an action that establishes the truth of something. Checking an ID is a verification of your age. Your bank will often ask for part of your social security number as verification of your identity. Scientists do research to establish verification for their theories. In all cases, verification is like a stamp of approval.

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, DHS has urged states to upload their voter rolls to its tool, called the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system.

From Salon • May 4, 2026

"But disguising palm oil as waste products like POME... has been far too easy for suppliers and traders. Verification and certification of these imports is clearly failing," Delaney said.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

Verification using IDs was the most accurate approach, but that requires users to hand over sensitive and important documents when polling shows most Australians don't trust social media firms.

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

The group's findings appear in a new report, "Monitoring, Reporting and Verification for Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal," released during COP30, the UN climate conference now taking place in Brazil.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2025

Verification brought the first live pangs that stabbed her.

From The Creators A Comedy by Sinclair, May