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.
With the help of a certified financial planner who specializes in this area, you could stress test your retirement with a variety of options.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
Homendy said the flight’s captain, 55 years old, was certified to fly the jet in May and had about 7,100 flying hours as of March.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
And while meows, of course, vary from cat to cat, Kristyn Vitale, a certified applied animal behaviorist and founder of the Michigan-based Maueyes Cat Science and Education center, says there are ways to decode them.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
“The old perception that prenups are only for wealthy people is so outdated,” says Miklos Ringbauer, a certified public accountant and founder of the accounting firm MiklosCPA Inc.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026
“I’m guessing she’s not a certified foster care provider.”
From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline
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.
