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certify

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɝtəˌfaɪ// UK //sˈɜːtɪfˌaɪ// cer·ti·fy Archaic

v. to state officially that something is true or that someone has reached a certain standard. You often get a document to prove it.

v. to attest or confirm formally and officially that a fact is true or a standard has been met. Often involves the issuance of a written certificate or license.


SIMPLE

The doctor must certify that you are healthy enough to work.

CONTEXTUAL

Before you can work as a professional electrician, a national board must certify your skills through a series of exams.

COMPLEX

The accounting firm refused to certify the financial statements until the management provided more evidence regarding their offshore assets and recent acquisitions.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Old French certefier (“confirm, assure, make certain”). Compare French certifier.

Usage

The verb is transitive and often takes a direct object or a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

He was certified as a doctor from the university.He was certified as a doctor by the university.When mentioning the authority that grants the status, use the preposition 'by' rather than 'from'.

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