verification

American  

[ver-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / ˌvɛr ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of verifying.

2. the state of being verified.

3. evidence that establishes or confirms the accuracy or truth of something.

   We could find no verification for his fantastic claims.

4. a formal assertion of the truth of something, as by oath or affidavit.

5. the process of research, examination, etc., required to prove or establish authenticity or validity.

6. Law. a short confirmatory affidavit at the end of a pleading or petition.

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verification British  

/ ˌvɛrɪfɪˈkeɪʃən /

noun

1. establishment of the correctness of a theory, fact, etc

2. evidence that provides proof of an assertion, theory, etc

3. law

   1. (formerly) a short affidavit at the end of a pleading stating the pleader's readiness to prove his assertions

   2. confirmatory evidence

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Other Word Forms

• nonverification noun
• preverification noun
• reverification noun
• unverificative adjective
• verificative adjective
• verificatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of verification

1515–25; < Medieval Latin vērificātiōn (stem of vērificātiō ), equivalent to vērificāt ( us ) (past participle of vērificāre; verify, -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Verification is an extra or final bit of proof that establishes something is true. To verify something is to make sure it's correct or true, so verification is an action that establishes the truth of something. Checking an ID is a verification of your age. Your bank will often ask for part of your social security number as verification of your identity. Scientists do research to establish verification for their theories. In all cases, verification is like a stamp of approval.

Example Sentences

Cohn says policies like age verification severely limit every internet user’s privacy and ability to be anonymous online.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026

Even advanced theoretical models can miss key details, making experimental verification essential for understanding molecular structures.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

Authorities have introduced self-enumeration, letting residents submit details online via a 16-language portal that generates a unique ID for verification by census workers.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

There are also concerns that under-15s will get around the age verification system by using virtual private networks or switching to newer platforms.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

“It says, ‘Your shoes will make you happy today,’” he tells her, voice dry, and passes the little slip across the table for her verification.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black