# verify

/ˈvɛɹəˌfaɪ/ (US) · /vˈɛɹɪfˌaɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/verify
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. to check accuracy

verb · CEFR B2

to check that something is true or correct by looking at evidence.

For teachers: to confirm or test the truth or accuracy of something through examination or comparison.

- Please verify that your phone number is correct before you submit the form.
- The bank requested additional documentation to verify the applicant's identity and source of income before approving the mortgage.

### 2. to prove true

verb · CEFR C1 · Academic

to show that a statement or theory is definitely true.

For teachers: to substantiate or prove the truth of a claim or hypothesis using empirical evidence.

- Other scientists were able to verify the results of the experiment.
- Independent researchers conducted a follow-up study to verify the initial findings, ensuring the data was not skewed by external variables.

### 3. to affirm formally

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

to state officially that something is true, often in a legal situation.

For teachers: to affirm something formally or under oath in a legal context.

- The witness was asked to verify her statement in court.
- The petitioner was required to verify the allegations in the complaint by signing an affidavit under penalty of perjury.

## Examples

- Please verify your email address to finish the setup.
- The bank must verify your identity before they can process the loan application.
- Independent auditors were brought in to verify the financial statements and ensure that no regulatory laws had been breached during the merger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.