certain

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Old French, from unattested Vulgar Latin certānus, equivalent to Latin cert(us) “sure, settled” (cer- base of cernere “to decide” + -tus past participle suffix) + -ānus-an

Words nearby certain

Cerro de Pasco, Cerro de Punta, Cerro Gordo, Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, cert., certain, certainly, certainty, CertEd, certes, certif.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say certain?

Someone who is certain of something is free from doubt or reservation about it. How is certain different from sure, confident, and positive? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

How to use certain in a sentence

There are certain people you meet, and right away you can tell they have a good heart.
A Welcome Lifeline|Washington Regional Transplant Community|September 17, 2020|Washington Blade
To that end, NBCU will effectively tailor the measurement program to take into account non-advertising factors specific to certain types of advertisers.
NBCUniversal tests new measurement program to prove it can push product sales for advertisers|Tim Peterson|September 17, 2020|Digiday
James Robinson, who has spent decades researching why certain states and societies prosper, he’s come to a more nuanced understanding.
Does Anyone Really Know What Socialism Is? (Ep. 408 Rebroadcast)|Stephen J. Dubner|September 17, 2020|Freakonomics
Initially, the task force focused almost entirely on trying to keep the virus out of the country, rather than preparing for an all-but-certain outbreak in the United States, these people said.
Ten days: After an early coronavirus warning, Trump is distracted as he downplays threat|Ashley Parker, Josh Dawsey, Yasmeen Abutaleb|September 17, 2020|Washington Post

It was an isolated examination of a certain time period, one that we’re now past.
The problem with Trump’s ‘herd mentality’ line isn’t the verbal flub. It’s the mass death.|Philip Bump|September 16, 2020|Washington Post
Certain features of its history suggest why this may be the case.
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
Unlike the Soviet Union at a certain period in history, the Russian economy does not hold a candle to that of the United States.
Oliver Stone’s Latest Dictator Suckup|James Kirchick|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
I believe in the power of institutions—Congress, public policy, certain ideas about politics—that last for a long time.
Thank Congress, Not LBJ for Great Society|Julian Zelizer, Scott Porch|January 4, 2015|DAILY BEAST
At least for now, because few things about this dispute are absolutely certain.
In the Middle East, the Two-State Solution Is Dead|Dean Obeidallah|January 2, 2015|DAILY BEAST
And a certain presumed presidential candidate needs to be doing it, too.
The Democrats’ Black Hole—and What They Can Do About It|Michael Tomasky|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On certain of the stems the fertile cone appears and the spores are ripened about June, after which the process withers.
How to Know the Ferns|S. Leonard Bastin
The possibilities of certain branches of teaching have been altogether revolutionized by the cinematograph.
The Salvaging Of Civilisation|H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
M'Bongo and his whole court are now clothed, I am happy to say, at least to a certain extent.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
After a bit of waiting, Mac decided that the smoke was floating from a certain direction, and we began to edge carefully that way.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
He has secured the release of certain Spanish prisoners, and is building two ships.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various

British Dictionary definitions for certain

certain

/ (ˈsɜːtən) /

adjective

(postpositive) positive and confident about the truth of something; convincedI am certain that he wrote a book

(usually postpositive) definitely knownit is certain that they were on the bus

(usually postpositive) sure; bound; destinedhe was certain to fail

decided or settled upon; fixedthe date is already certain for the invasion

unfailing; reliablehis judgment is certain

moderate or minimumto a certain extent

make certain of to ensure (that one will get something); confirm

adverb

for certain definitely; without a doubthe will win for certain

determiner

known but not specified or namedcertain people may doubt this
(as pronoun; functioning as plural)certain of the members have not paid their subscriptions

named but not knownhe had written to a certain Mrs Smith

Word Origin for certain

C13: from Old French, from Latin certus sure, fixed, from cernere to discern, decide

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

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