English Reference
noun

confirmation

n.
US /ˌkɑnfɝˈmeɪʃən/ UK /kɒnfəmˈeɪʃən/ con·fir·ma·tion UK spelling confirmation's, confirmation's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    proof or evidence that shows a statement, belief, or suspicion is definitely true.

    the provision of evidence or testimony that validates the truth or accuracy of a claim.

    Simple

    We are still waiting for official confirmation of the news from the police.

    In context

    The laboratory results provided the final confirmation required to publish the study in a peer-reviewed journal.

    denialrefutation
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    a document or message that shows a booking or plan is definitely fixed.

    an official indicator or document ensuring that a reservation or agreement will proceed as planned.

    Simple

    You should receive a confirmation email within ten minutes of booking your flight.

    In context

    The hotel failed to send a written confirmation, leading to a dispute over the room rate upon our arrival.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Religion

    a ceremony in some Christian churches where a person confirms their faith.

    a rite of passage or sacrament in various Christian denominations, typically involving the laying on of hands to strengthen the believer's bond with the church.

    Simple

    The whole family gathered at the church for my cousin's confirmation.

    In context

    In many liturgical traditions, confirmation is seen as the completion of the baptismal grace and a conscious commitment to the faith.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the act of making a legal agreement or property claim official and final.

    the formal ratification of a voidable or conditional act, rendering it valid and unavoidable.

    Simple

    The court provided confirmation of his right to the family estate.

    In context

    The treaty required the confirmation of the senate before it could be enacted as national law.

    nullification

Their one-year-old son later died after what the family believes was typhoid fever, although there was no formal medical confirmation.

Al Jazeera· 15 Aug 2026

Confirmation of the virus in the little penguin will spark a race to vaccinate thousands of birds, with the government announcing on Saturday it would begin the rollout on Monday.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

From Middle English confirmacioun, from Old French confirmacion, from Latin cōnfirmātiō, noun of process from cōnfirmātus (“confirmed”), perfect passive participle of cōnfirmāre, from con- (“with”) + firmāre (“to firm or strengthen”). Morphologically confirm + -ation.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin cōnfirmātiō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated