Confirm
/kənˈfɜːrm/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo state or prove the truth of something; to verify.
/kənˈfɜːrm/
To state or prove the truth of something.
Can you confirm your flight details?
💡 Simply: Imagine you told your friend a story, and they say, 'Really?' Confirming is like showing them proof that your story is true, like a picture or a witness.
👶 For kids: To say something is true.
More Examples
The police confirmed the identity of the suspect.
The doctor confirmed the diagnosis after running tests.
I need to confirm my appointment.
How It's Used
"The news agency confirmed the rumors of the celebrity's marriage."
"The witness confirmed the events as described by the prosecutor."
To officially approve or ratify something; to make something certain.
/kənˈfɜːrm/
To give formal approval to.
The Senate confirmed the appointment of the new ambassador.
💡 Simply: Imagine a group of people must agree with a choice before it's official. Confirming is like giving that final 'okay' or stamp of approval, making the decision final.
👶 For kids: To say something is okay.
More Examples
The board confirmed the merger of the two companies.
She confirmed her offer by sending an email.
How It's Used
"The priest will confirm the young believers next week."
"The Senate confirmed the nomination of the new judge."
To strengthen or make someone stronger; to reinforce.
/kənˈfɜːrm/
To strengthen or make something stronger.
The support of her family confirmed her decision to start her own business.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to build a LEGO tower and you add something to strengthen it. That's the idea of confirming to make something stronger.
👶 For kids: To make something strong.
How It's Used
"Positive reinforcement can confirm a person's confidence."
Idioms & expressions
confirm the news
To verify and make the news official or known to the public.
"The spokesperson confirmed the news of the company's bankruptcy."
From Middle French confirmer, from Latin confirmare ('to make firm, strengthen, establish'), from con- ('with, together') + firmare ('to make firm'), from firmus ('firm, strong').
Used in legal and religious contexts since the 14th century. Often used to make something official or certain.
Memory tip
Think of CONFIRM as 'making something FIRM' by proving it.
Word Origin
"to make firm"