certitude

American  

[sur-ti-tood, -tyood] / ˈsɜr tɪˌtud, -ˌtyud /

noun

1. freedom from doubt, especially in matters of faith or opinion; certainty.

   Synonyms:

   belief, conviction, assurance

---

certitude British  

/ ˈsɜːtɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. confidence; certainty

---

Other Word Forms

• noncertitude noun
• uncertitude noun

Etymology

Origin of certitude

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin certitūdō, equivalent to Latin certi- (combining form of certus sure; certain ) + -tūdō -tude

Example Sentences

But we live in an era when instantaneous certitude about everything, an iron conviction in subjective judgment in the face of objective uncertainty, is the only guarantee of a hearing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

America, you’re a big, boisterous nation of more than 342 million people, with all sorts of competing impulses and interests, and no end of certitude to go around.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 4, 2025

He’s never had a role quite like Lee, which allows him to approach the world with far less certitude than a James Bond or Benoit Blanc.

From Salon • Nov. 27, 2024

I think real historians look at the judiciary with shock to see that we think history has such certitude.

From Slate • May 14, 2024

I took up the two packages and gave the bread to the little girl, the woman all iron-gray behind the counter, watching us with cold certitude.

From "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner