Certify: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to officially recognize or confirm something as true or meeting a standard. Often used in professional or legal settings.

• The doctor will certify that you are fit to work.
• The organization certifies that all its products meet safety standards.

Used to verify the accuracy or truth of something, often in everyday situations.

• Please confirm your reservation by phone.
• I called him to confirm the meeting time.

Used to check or prove the validity or accuracy of something, often in a formal or technical context.

• The scientist needs to validate the results of the experiment.
• He felt validated by her supportive comments.

Used to prove that something is genuine, often related to documents, artwork, or identity.

• The museum needs to authenticate the painting before it can be displayed.
• The system requires a fingerprint scan to authenticate the user's identity.

Used to make sure or demonstrate that something is true, accurate, or justified. Often used in formal or technical contexts.

• The accountant will verify the financial statements.
• You need to verify your email address to complete the registration.

Used in formal or official situations where an authoritative statement or document is required to validate a specific fact or condition.

• The document was certified by a public notary.
• She needs to certify that the information in her application is true.

Used when promising that a specific outcome or condition will definitely happen or be fulfilled, often seen in consumer, business, and service discussions.

• The manufacturer guarantees this product for one year.
• We guarantee a full refund if you're not satisfied.

Commonly used to swear or affirm the truth of something, often in legal, official, or personal witness scenarios.

• I can attest to his honesty; he always tells the truth.
• The witness attested under oath that she saw the defendant at the scene.

Frequently applied in legal and formal business contexts to provide assurance or to justify the truth of a claim. Also used in the context of search and arrest warrants in legal terms.

• The company warrants that the software is free from defects.
• The police issued a warrant for his arrest.

Typically used in informal or conversational contexts where one is supporting or verifying someone's character, ability, or the truth of a statement.

• Can you vouch for his work ethic?
• I can vouch for the reliability of this car.

Best used when an official verification or confirmation of the status or quality of something is needed.

• The agency must certify that the equipment meets safety standards.
• Medical professionals need to certify their credentials periodically.

Best used when referring to written or printed papers that provide information or evidence, often in a legal, official, or formal context.

• Please provide the necessary documents to complete your application.
• The contract serves as a legally binding document.

Used to describe qualifications, achievements, personal qualities, or aspects of a person's background, when they are used to communicate authority or expertise.

• He presented his credentials as a software engineer.
• Candidates must have the necessary credentials to apply for this position.

Commonly used when granting formal permission to do something, typically relating to professional or regulated activities.

• You need a driver's license to operate a vehicle legally.
• The new business obtained its operating license from the city council.

Typically used in formal contexts, especially when referring to granting approval to institutions or programs, often related to education or professional bodies.

• The university received accreditation from the national education board.
• This hospital's accreditation ensures it meets high standards of care.