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certificate

n. · v.
US //sɝˈtɪfɪkət// cer·tifi·cate
  1. 1 official record (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    an official paper that proves a fact about a person, like when they were born or married.

    an official document recording a significant life event or legal fact, such as a birth, marriage, or death.

    Example

    You need to show your birth certificate to apply for a new passport.

    Example

    The solicitor requested a certified copy of the death certificate to finalise the distribution of the estate.
  2. 2 educational qualification (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Education

    a document you receive for completing a course of study or passing an exam.

    a document confirming that a person has successfully completed a specific course of study or passed a professional examination.

    Example

    She received a certificate in web design after finishing the six-month course.

    Example

    Candidates who successfully complete the advanced module will be awarded a professional certificate recognised by the national board.
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  1. 3 digital security (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a digital file that proves a website or computer is safe and who they say they are.

    an electronic document used to prove the ownership of a public key, ensuring secure communication over a network.

    Example

    The browser showed a warning because the website's security certificate had expired.

    Example

    The administrator updated the SSL certificate on the server to maintain encrypted connections for all remote users.
    • digital ID
    • public key certificate
  2. 4 film rating (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    an official age rating given to a movie.

    an official classification assigned to a motion picture by a rating board, indicating its suitability for specific age groups.

    Example

    The new horror movie was given an 18 certificate because of the violence.

    Example

    The cinema manager strictly enforced the age restrictions associated with the film's 15 certificate.
  3. 5 to provide a document (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to give someone an official certificate to show they have reached a certain standard.

    to attest to or confirm a status or level of achievement by issuing a formal document.

    Example

    The agency will certificate all students who pass the final safety test.

    Example

    The governing body intends to certificate the new laboratory once the final inspection of the ventilation system is complete.
Origin

From French certificat.

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