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ratify

[ rat-uh-fahy ]
/ ˈræt əˌfaɪ /
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See synonyms for: ratify / ratified / ratifying on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), rat·i·fied, rat·i·fy·ing.
to confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction: to ratify a constitutional amendment.
to confirm (something done or arranged by an agent or by representatives) by such action.
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Origin of ratify

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English ratifien, from Middle French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificāre, equivalent to Latin rat(us) “calculated” (see rate1) + -ificāre -ify

OTHER WORDS FROM ratify

rat·i·fi·er, nounnon·rat·i·fy·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to ratify

approve, confirm, endorse, establish, okay, sign, uphold, accredit, authenticate, bind, bless, certify, commission, consent, corroborate, license, sanction, substantiate, validate, bear out

British Dictionary definitions for ratify

ratify
/ (ˈrætɪˌfaɪ) /
verb -fies, -fying or -fied
(tr) to give formal approval or consent to

Derived forms of ratify

ratifiable, adjectiveratification, nounratifier, noun

Word Origin for ratify

C14: via Old French from Latin ratus fixed (see rate 1) + facere to make
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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