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.
On top of pressures to modernize their programs, schools face the prospect of students choosing less education in their path to becoming certified public accountants.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026
About 4% of the roughly 127,000 veterinarians in the U.S. are certified to perform acupuncture, according to the American Board of Veterinary Acupuncture.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 17, 2026
NHS midwife and certified lactation consultant Olivia Hinge, who reviewed our undercover consultations with self-described sleep experts, says she understands why people offering support with sleep can be so appealing to new mums.
From BBC • May 12, 2026
It was shot at the Agresti Calf Ranch in Ceres, near Modesto, which is certified by the American Humane Society for its ethical treatment of animals.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
He orders three certified copies of the name change decree, two for himself, and one for his parents to keep in their safe- deposit box.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
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.
