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verification

n.
US //ˌvɛɹəfəˈkeɪʃən// UK //vˌɛɹɪfɪkˈeɪʃən// ver·i·fi·ca·tion
  1. 1 checking for truth (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of checking that something is true or correct.

    the process of establishing the truth, accuracy, or validity of a statement or fact.

    Example

    The bank requires verification of your identity before you can open an account.

    Example

    The journalist spent weeks on the verification of the source's claims before the newspaper agreed to publish the controversial story.

  2. 2 technical/digital check (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a technical process to prove you are who you say you are, often using a code or document.

    the procedure of authenticating a user's identity or the integrity of data in a digital system.

    Example

    I received a verification code on my phone to log into my email.

    Example

    The system implements multi-factor verification to ensure that sensitive financial data remains inaccessible to unauthorised users.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'two-step verification'.

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  1. 3 legal/formal proof (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    a formal statement or piece of evidence that proves something is legal or official.

    a formal confirmation by evidence or a sworn statement used to authenticate a legal plea or document.

    Example

    The lawyer asked for official verification of the contract signatures.

    Example

    The court required independent verification of the forensic evidence before the trial could proceed to the next phase.

  2. 4 mathematical testing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Math

    testing a math problem to see if the answer is correct.

    the operation of testing an equation or solution to ensure it satisfies the original conditions of a problem.

    Example

    After solving the equation, the student performed a quick verification of the result.

    Example

    The verification of the theorem required a complex series of simulations to account for every possible variable in the dataset.

Origin

From Middle French verification (modern French vérification) or its etymon Medieval Latin vērificātiō. By surface analysis, verificate + -ion.

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