Confirmation: meaning, definitions and examples

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confirmation

 

[ˌkɒnfəˈmeɪʃ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

information

The action of confirming something or the state of being confirmed.

Synonyms

approval, validation, verification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confirmation

Used when acknowledging the receipt or accuracy of something, often in communication or transactions.

  • I received a confirmation email for my flight booking.
  • Can you provide confirmation of the meeting time?
verification

Used when confirming the truth or accuracy of something, usually involving evidence or proof.

  • The verification process for your identity will take 24 hours.
  • We need verification of your employment history.
validation

Used when checking if something is accurate or meets certain standards, often in scientific or technical fields.

  • The software requires validation before it can be released.
  • Can you run a validation test on this data?
approval

Used when giving permission or agreeing to something, often in formal or authoritative contexts.

  • The project received approval from the board of directors.
  • You need parental approval to go on the school trip.

Examples of usage

  • He sought confirmation from the teacher that his answer was correct.
  • After receiving a confirmation email, she knew her order had been processed.
  • The confirmation of the reservation came through just in time for their trip.
  • Please wait for a confirmation before proceeding with the next steps.
  • The confirmation of identity is required before accessing the account.
Context #2 | Noun

religion

A rite or ceremony performed in some Christian churches as a sign of the reception of the Holy Communion.

Synonyms

affirmation, blessing, sacrament.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confirmation

Use this when you need to verify that something is true or certain, or when you are talking about a religious rite in some Christian denominations.

  • I received a confirmation email for my order.
  • She performed her confirmation at church last Sunday.
affirmation

This is more about declaring something positively to give support or to assert it as true.

  • His speech was an affirmation of his commitment to peace.
  • Receiving an affirmation from a mentor can boost confidence.
blessing

Usually used in a religious or spiritual sense, to express a wish for happiness, good fortune, or divine favor.

  • They asked for their parents' blessing to get married.
  • The priest gave his blessing to the new project.
sacrament

Specifically relates to a religious ceremony or act recognized as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual divine grace, particularly in Christian church.

  • Baptism is a sacrament in many Christian traditions.
  • They celebrated the sacrament of communion at Easter.

Examples of usage

  • The confirmation ceremony is an important milestone in the life of a young Christian.
  • He was confirmed in the church at a young age.
  • She prepared for confirmation by attending classes and studying the teachings.
Context #3 | Noun

reservation

A written acknowledgment that a specified article or sum of money has been received as an exchange for goods or services.

Synonyms

acknowledgment, receipt, voucher.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
confirmation

Used when verifying or validating something, often in formal settings such as appointments, transactions, or plans.

  • I received a confirmation email for my flight booking.
  • Can you send me a confirmation of our meeting time?
receipt

Commonly used to denote a written or printed statement indicating that money, goods, or services have been received.

  • Please keep your receipt for any returns or exchanges.
  • I need a receipt to submit my expenses for reimbursement.
acknowledgment

Typically used when recognizing receipt or awareness of something, like a message or contribution. It can also be used to show appreciation.

  • The company sent an acknowledgment of my job application.
  • His book includes an acknowledgment of the people who helped him.
voucher

Usually refers to a document that can be exchanged for goods or services, often given as a gift or as proof of payment.

  • I received a gift voucher for my birthday.
  • Make sure to present your voucher at the counter to claim your discount.

Examples of usage

  • The confirmation of payment was sent via email.
  • Please present your confirmation at the check-in counter.
  • He showed the confirmation to claim his reserved seat.
  • After receiving the confirmation, they proceeded with the delivery.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'confirmatio', which means 'to strengthen' or 'to establish'.
  • It is composed of 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'firmare', which means 'to make firm'.
  • Used in various contexts, the term has evolved from its legal roots to encompass general agreement and affirmation.

Psychology

  • Confirmation bias is a common psychological tendency where people favor information that confirms their existing beliefs.
  • This bias can affect decision-making, leading individuals to overlook contrary evidence.
  • Research indicates that people may seek out confirming information more vigorously than they do for disconfirming data.

Pop Culture

  • In social media, a 'confirmation' can refer to verification, such as when a celebrity confirms a relationship or project.
  • TV shows often generate buzz when they offer confirmations about storylines or character returns in upcoming seasons.
  • The phrase 'confirmed' has become a cultural meme, often used humorously when someone is completely sure about something.

Education

  • In educational settings, confirmation often relates to affirming the understanding of concepts, as in confirming learning outcomes.
  • Teachers might seek confirmation of understanding through quizzes and discussions to ensure students grasp the material.
  • Parental confirmation is important in a child's learning journey, as it shapes their confidence and validation of efforts.

Religion

  • In many Christian traditions, confirmation is a rite of passage, marking a young person’s commitment to their faith.
  • The sacrament of confirmation often involves laying on of hands and anointing with oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence.
  • Different denominations regard confirmation differently, influencing the rituals, age of participants, and theological significance.

Translations

Translations of the word "confirmation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confirmação

🇮🇳 पुष्टि

🇩🇪 Bestätigung

🇮🇩 konfirmasi

🇺🇦 підтвердження

🇵🇱 potwierdzenie

🇯🇵 確認 (かくにん)

🇫🇷 confirmation

🇪🇸 confirmación

🇹🇷 onay

🇰🇷 확인 (hwagin)

🇸🇦 تأكيد

🇨🇿 potvrzení

🇸🇰 potvrdenie

🇨🇳 确认 (quèrèn)

🇸🇮 potrditev

🇮🇸 staðfesting

🇰🇿 растау

🇬🇪 დადასტურება

🇦🇿 təsdiq

🇲🇽 confirmación

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,420 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.