Ratify: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in legal, political, or formal settings to denote the final approval of treaties, amendments, or agreements after they have been initially negotiated.

• The government needs to ratify the treaty before it becomes effective.
• The board of directors will ratify the new company policy next week.

Used in everyday settings to express general acceptance or permission for an action, idea, or plan. It can also be used formally, but it is less specific than 'ratify'.

• My parents need to approve of my vacation plans.
• The budget was approved without any major changes.

Often used to verify or formally acknowledge the accuracy or truth of something. It is also used in business and communication to acknowledge receipt or agreement.

• Please confirm your attendance at the meeting by Friday.
• The lab tests confirmed the doctor's diagnosis.

Commonly used to express public or formal support for a person, product, or idea. It is often used in marketing and politics.

• The celebrity agreed to endorse the new product line.
• Several politicians have endorsed the new policy.

Ratify is used in formal and legal contexts, especially in relation to treaties, agreements, or laws that require official approval by a governing body. It often refers to the final consent given by an authoritative entity.

• The nations met to ratify the climate change agreement.
• The board of directors decided to ratify the new company policy.

Approve is a more general term used in everyday and formal contexts when giving consent or permission for plans, proposals, or actions. It doesn’t necessarily imply a legal or formal process.

• The teacher approved the student's project idea.
• The manager approved the budget for the next quarter.

Confirm is used to verify or validate information, decisions, or appointments. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, indicating that something is definite or true.

• Please confirm your attendance at the meeting.
• The committee confirmed the appointment of the new CEO.

Endorse is typically used in contexts where support or approval is being publicly declared, often in relation to products, services, or policies. It often involves a figure of authority or recognition.

• The president endorsed the new healthcare policy.
• Celebrities often endorse products in advertisements.