Certify — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈsər-tə-ˌfī/ cer·ti·fy

Meaning & Definition of Certify

Certify (verb)

  1. to attest authoritatively
  2. confirm
  3. to present in formal communication

Certify (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to declare (something) to be true or genuine

    "experts certified the letter as indeed having been written by Abraham Lincoln"

    similar: attest, authenticate, avouch, testify (to), vouch (for), witness
    related: guarantee, warrant, affirm, assert, aver, avow, profess, vow

  2. to give official or legal power to

    "certified her as a teacher"

    similar: accredit, authorize, charter (British), commission, empower, enable, invest, license, qualify, vest, warrant
    related: approve, clear, credential, endorse, OK, sanction, affirm, confirm, validate, inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, instate, swear in, allow, let, permit, enfranchise, entitle, privilege
    opposite: disqualify
    near: ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disallow, disbar, discourage, disenfranchise, disfranchise, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe, veto

  3. to give evidence or testimony to the truth or factualness of

    "please bring in a doctor's note to certify that you were really sick"

    similar: argue, attest, authenticate, bear out, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, validate, verify, vindicate
    related: avouch, back (up), testify (to), vouch (for), witness, guarantee, warrant, affirm, assert, aver, avow, declare, profess, demonstrate, document, establish, prove, reinforce
    opposite: disprove, rebut, refute
    near: contradict, gainsay, deny, disavow, disclaim, challenge, contest, dispute, question

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Certify

The most common words with a similar meaning to Certify:

British: charter
attest, authenticate, avouch, testify (to), vouch (for), witness, accredit, authorize, commission, empower, enable, invest, license, qualify, vest, warrant, argue, bear out, confirm, corroborate, substantiate, support, validate, verify, vindicate

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Certify

Words with the opposite meaning of Certify:

disqualify, disprove, rebut, refute

Related Words for Certify

guarantee, affirm, assert, aver, avow, profess, vow, approve, clear, credential, endorse, OK, sanction, inaugurate, induct, initiate, install, instate, swear in, allow, let, permit, enfranchise, entitle, privilege, back (up), declare, demonstrate, document, establish

Near Antonyms of Certify

ban, bar, block, constrain, deny, disallow, disbar, discourage, disenfranchise, disfranchise, exclude, hinder, hold back, impede, inhibit, obstruct, prevent, shut out, stop, enjoin, forbid, interdict, outlaw, prohibit, proscribe, veto, contradict, gainsay, disavow, disclaim

Word Forms of Certify

Inflections: certified, certifying

Derived words: certifier (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Certify

Middle English certifien, from Anglo-French certefier, from Late Latin certificare, from Latin certus certain certain

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Certify

What does "Certify" mean?

"Certify" means to attest authoritatively. As a verb, it is defined as: to attest authoritatively. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Certify"?

Other words for "Certify" include attest, authenticate, avouch, testify (to), vouch (for), witness, accredit and authorize. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Certify" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Certify"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Certify". Common alternatives include attest, authenticate, avouch, testify (to), vouch (for), witness, accredit, authorize, charter and commission.

What is the opposite of "Certify"?

Antonyms of "Certify" include disqualify, disprove, rebut and refute. Near antonyms include ban, bar, block and constrain.

How do you use "Certify" in a sentence?

Examples of "Certify" in a sentence: "experts certified the letter as indeed having been written by Abraham Lincoln"; "certified her as a teacher"; "please bring in a doctor's note to certify that you were really sick".

Is "Certify" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Certify" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Certify"?

"Certify" is pronounced /ˈsər-tə-ˌfī/ and divided into syllables as cer·ti·fy.

What is the origin of the word "Certify"?

"Certify" comes from Middle English certifien, from Anglo-French certefier, from Late Latin certificare, from Latin certus certain certain. First known use: 14th century.