ratify

[rat-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

ratified, ratifying 

1. to confirm by expressing consent, approval, or formal sanction.

   to ratify a constitutional amendment.

   Synonyms: approve, corroborate
   Antonyms: disapprove, veto

2. to confirm (something done or arranged by an agent or by representatives) by such action.

   Synonyms: establish, validate

ratify

/ ˈrætɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. (tr) to give formal approval or consent to

Other Word Forms

• ratifier noun
• nonratifying adjective
• ratifiable adjective
• ratification noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratify¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English ratifien, from Middle French ratifier, from Medieval Latin ratificāre, equivalent to Latin rat(us) “calculated” ( rate ¹ ) + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of ratify¹

C14: via Old French from Latin ratus fixed (see _rate ¹ ) + facere to make

Example Sentences

Registered nurses who work at 19 University of California facilities have ratified a new contract after voting concluded Saturday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Since there was no definition of national citizenship until the 14th Amendment, ratified after the Civil War, people were citizens of a particular state, which is what made them citizens of the U.S.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some excellent books that ratify DeVoto’s enthusiasm have recently appeared, heralding America’s semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, was ratified in 1920, a little more than a century ago.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The compromise will have to be ratified by more than 190 countries gathered here for COP30.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• approve 
• confirm 
• endorse 
• establish 
• okay 
• sign 
• uphold