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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

How to use ratify in a sentence

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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