Word
authentication
Phoneticsau·then·ti·ca·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ɔˌθɛntəˈkeɪʃən/
UK/ɔːθˌɛntɪkˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01verifying identity
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing
n. the process of proving your identity to a computer or network so you can use it.
n. the process of verifying the identity of a user, device, or other entity in a computer system, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources.
“The app requires two-step authentication to make sure your account stays safe.”
“Multi-factor authentication has become the industry standard for protecting sensitive corporate data against unauthorised access attempts.”
Usage
Often used in the compound 'two-factor authentication' or 'biometric authentication'.
Synonyms
02proving something is real
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of proving that an object, like a painting or a document, is genuine and not a copy.
n. the formal process of validating the origin or genuineness of an object, document, or piece of evidence.
“The museum is waiting for the authentication of the painting before putting it on display.”
“The legal team demanded a formal authentication of the contract signatures before the trial could proceed to the next phase.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Reset passwords wherever possible, and enable multifactor authentication.” “Dani Bekyarova-Delev, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, said she had been confident the designer item, bought in 2024, had been genuine because she had used the platform's authentication service.” Etymology
From authenticate + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/authentication