What does "confirmation" mean?

1. (verification of truth) proof or evidence that shows a statement, belief, or suspicion is definitely true. 2. (booking or arrangement) a document or message that shows a booking or plan is definitely fixed. 3. (religious ceremony) a ceremony in some Christian churches where a person confirms their faith. 4. (legal validation) the act of making a legal agreement or property claim official and final.

confirmation

US //ˌkɑnfɝˈmeɪʃən// UK //kɒnfəmˈeɪʃən// con·fir·ma·tion

1 verification of truth (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

The laboratory results provided the final confirmation required to publish the study in a peer-reviewed journal.
- denial
- refutation
2 booking or arrangement (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

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

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3 religious ceremony (n.)
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.

Example

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

Example

In many liturgical traditions, confirmation is seen as the completion of the baptismal grace and a conscious commitment to the faith.
4 legal validation (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical 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.

Example

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

Example

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

Origin

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.