certify
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to attest as certain; give reliable information of; confirm.
He certified the truth of his claim.
- Synonyms:
- guarantee, validate, verify, corroborate
-
to testify to or vouch for in writing.
The medical examiner will certify his findings to the court.
-
to guarantee; endorse reliably.
to certify a document with an official seal.
-
to guarantee (a check) by writing on its face that the account against which it is drawn has sufficient funds to pay it.
-
to award a certificate to (a person) attesting to the completion of a course of study or the passing of a qualifying examination.
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to declare legally insane and committable to a mental institution.
-
Archaic. to assure or inform with certainty.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to confirm or attest (to), usually in writing
the letter certified her age
-
(tr) to endorse or guarantee (that certain required standards have been met)
-
to give reliable information or assurances
he certified that it was Walter's handwriting
-
(tr) to declare legally insane
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(tr) (of a bank) to state in writing on (a cheque) that payment is guaranteed
Other Word Forms
- certifier noun
- precertify verb (used with object)
- recertify verb (used with object)
- uncertifying adjective
Etymology
Origin of certify
1300–50; Middle English certifien < Middle French certifier < Late Latin certificāre, equivalent to Latin certi- (combining form of certus decided; certain ) + -ficāre -fy
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.
To find a certified group psychotherapist in your area, the American Group Psychotherapy Association has a provider directory.
From MarketWatch
“All detainees are provided with proper meals, certified by dietitians, medical treatment and have the opportunities to communicate with lawyers and family members.”
From Los Angeles Times
Then, he decided to start a completely new kind of work: He became certified as a substitute teacher.
She started her fitness career as a trauma-informed yoga instructor more than a decade ago, teaching classes at One Down Dog and Equinox before becoming a certified strength trainer.
From Los Angeles Times
Only a certified Grinch would want to see Auggie left as anxious and forlorn at the end of the show as he is at his lowest moments.
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.
