Certify
/ˈsɜːrtɪfaɪ/
Definitions
To declare something to be true or correct, especially officially.
/ˈsɜːrtɪfaɪ/
To confirm or guarantee something officially.
The teacher certified that all the students passed the exam.
💡 Simply: Imagine a stamp of approval! To certify something means to officially say it's true and correct, like a teacher certifying that your homework is done.
👶 For kids: To say something is REALLY true!
More Examples
The diamond was certified as genuine.
How It's Used
"The notary public certified the signature on the document."
"The doctor certified the patient's fitness to return to work."
From Middle French certifier, from Latin certificare "to make certain," from certus "certain" + facere "to make."
Historically, 'certify' was often used in contexts involving religious vows or oaths, reflecting the word's origins in establishing certainty.
Memory tip
Think 'certain' and 'fy' (make) - to make something certain.