certified
Americanadjective
-
having or proved by a certificate.
a certified representative.
-
guaranteed; reliably endorsed.
a certified check.
-
legally declared insane.
-
committed to a mental institution.
adjective
-
holding or guaranteed by a certificate
-
endorsed or guaranteed
a certified cheque
-
(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.
Start with the investment policy, said Charles Sachs, a certified financial planner and chief investment officer at Imperio Wealth Advisors.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 3, 2026
The official certified results will be posted by the secretary of state on Dec. 11.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
Ozuna said that her daughter, the kindergarten teacher, holds a college degree and is working toward becoming a certified teacher but has struggled to get through a series of financial hoops.
From Salon ● Oct. 1, 2026
The FAA certified the smaller, long-delayed 737 MAX 7 on August 3.
From Barron's ● Sep. 28, 2026
Open to the public, the Marshall Library was also being certified for the storage of classified documents.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
![]()
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.