verify

[ver-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

verified, verifying 

1. to prove the truth of, as by evidence or testimony; confirm; substantiate.

   Events verified his prediction.

2. to ascertain the truth or correctness of, as by examination, research, or comparison.

   to verify a spelling.

   Synonyms: validate, authenticate

3. to act as ultimate proof or evidence of; serve to confirm.

4. Law.

   1. to prove or confirm (an allegation).

   2. to state to be true, especially in legal use, formally or upon oath.

verify

/ ˈvɛrɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to prove to be true; confirm; substantiate

2. to check or determine the correctness or truth of by investigation, reference, etc

3. law to add a verification to (a pleading); substantiate or confirm (an oath)

Other Word Forms

• verifiableness noun
• verifiable adjective
• verifier noun
• verifiably adverb
• verifiability noun
• nonverifiable adjective
• preverify verb (used with object)
• reverify verb (used with object)
• unverifiability noun
• unverifiable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of verify¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English verifien, from Middle French verifier, from Medieval Latin vērificāre, from vēri- (combining form of vērus “true”) + -ficāre -fy

Word History and Origins

Origin of verify¹

C14: from Old French verifier, from Medieval Latin vērificāre, from Latin vērus true + facere to make

Example Sentences

The judge closed the courtroom and, as a result, the BBC could not verify details of the case.

Read more on BBC

The footage, which AFP could not independently verify, showed civil protection officers and worried parents rushing to assist the students.

Read more on Barron's

The United Nations says it has not independently verified Ukraine’s figure.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The project has yet to be verified, but Climate Impact Partners aims to register it with Verra under its VM0047 reforestation methodology.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They now incorporate touch sensors so they can verify that they are welding in the right place.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• authenticate 
• certify 
• check 
• corroborate 
• demonstrate 
• double-check 
• establish 
• find out 
• justify 
• prove 
• substantiate