confirm
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to say or show that something is definitely true or correct.
v.to establish the truth or correctness of something previously believed, suspected, or stated.
Simple“The police were able to confirm that the man was telling the truth.”
In context“The latest laboratory results confirm the researchers' initial hypothesis regarding the chemical stability of the new compound.”
UsageOften followed by a 'that' clause or a noun phrase.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
v.to make an arrangement or a meeting final.
v.to make a provisional arrangement, appointment, or agreement definite and final.
Simple“I am calling to confirm my hotel reservation for next Tuesday.”
In context“The board of directors met yesterday to confirm the appointment of the new chief executive officer.”
UsageCommonly used in business contexts regarding bookings and appointments.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to welcome someone as a full member of a Christian church in a special ceremony.
v.to administer the rite of confirmation to a person, admitting them to full church privileges.
Simple“She was confirmed in the local cathedral when she was fourteen years old.”
In context“The bishop visited the parish last Sunday to confirm twenty young members of the congregation.”
UsageUsually used in the passive voice when referring to the person receiving the rite.
- 04 C1 Advanced
adv.used to say that something is definitely going to happen or is true.
adv.used as a sentence-final or standalone particle to indicate absolute certainty.
Simple“Don't worry, he will come for the party confirm.”
In context“If you don't study for the final exam, you will fail confirm.”
UsageTypical of Singlish and Manglish; often placed at the end of a sentence.
Teacher's tipThis adverbial use is specific to South East Asian English dialects like Singlish; it is not used this way in standard British or American English.
Synonyms
Usage confirm the accuracy · analysis confirm · confirm existence
From Middle English confirmen, confermen, from Old French confermer, from Latin cōnfirmāre (“to make firm, strengthen, establish”), from con- (“together”) + firmāre (“to make firm”), from firmus (“firm”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.