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

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

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

I tried to verify my identity through eBay using that email address so I could change the cellphone number on the account and delete it, but I was unsuccessful.

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He and his colleagues track down film footage and photos, reach out to officials to verify what they’ve found and hammer out a script for Torres to narrate.

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"Once they had access to Sue's phone number they were were able to intercept any security codes sent to verify her identity for her Gmail account," she said.

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Researchers verified these findings in samples from leukemia patients.

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Fifteen even displayed blue check marks, indicating they had been officially verified by the company.

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Related Words

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